Experience the power of prayer at the Mount Joy National Day of Prayer. The event will be held on Thursday, May 4, at The Gathering Place, 6 Pine St., Mount Joy. It will begin with breakfast from 7 to 7:30 a.m., followed by a program and prayers from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.

"This is a day for the Mount Joy community," said Nancy Shonk, a member of the organizing team for the event. "We'll be praying for churches, for families, for education, for first responders and for the people of Mount Joy." The Mount Joy National Day of Prayer is open to anyone of any faith, and the event's theme will follow the national theme, "Pray fervently in righteousness and avail much," which is inspired by James 5:16.

Music duo SweetLife will perform at the program, followed by guest speakers Steve and Jeremy Blount. The father and son, owners of GCM Inc. in Mount Joy, will talk about the ways God has worked through their business. Richard Vaughn, pastor of Mount Joy Church of God, will pray for churches. Collin Gingrich, pastor of Proclamation Presbyterian Church, will offer prayers for families, and Amanda Hann, director of secondary education for Donegal School District, will pray for education.

"The program moves right along, with one person going after the next," Shonk said, explaining that the event is scheduled to allow people to attend and still get to work on time.

She noted that the Mount Joy National Day of Prayer is more important than ever. "Our country needs prayers," she stated. "If we can pray for Mount Joy, to keep Mount Joy a great place to live, work and play, we've accomplished something."

She encourages everyone to come to the event, noting, "Come with an open heart and an open mind, and you will feel the difference prayer can make."

Shonk emphasized that the day would not be possible without the help of the event team. Joining Shonk on the team are Tracy Miller, Stephen and Brooksyne Weber, Marion Young, Chad Habecker, Chris Silvestri and Bunny O'Hare.

Shonk expressed her gratitude to the team members but added that she'd love to see even more community members included. "I would like for the churches of Mount Joy to become more involved in this event," she said. "If the churches all work together, we can make a difference."

Tickets for the Mount Joy National Day of Prayer must be purchased by Monday, May 1, and are on sale at J.B. Hostetter & Sons, 1225 W. Main St., Mount Joy; Jim Roberts West Main Auto, 14 W. Main St., Mount Joy; and the Mount Joy Chamber of Commerce office, 62 E. Main St. Tickets may also be purchased by calling Shonk at 717-989-6452. For more information on the National Day of Prayer, visit http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org.