Full slate of prayers planned in Salem Thursday

SALEM -- The 17th Salem Area National Day of Prayer Gathering will take place at noon Thursday, May 4, at the Salem Memorial Building Gym, 785 E. State St. The event will also be broadcast live via website at praysalem.org, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts all titled Pray Salem and also on cable channel 1021, later in the day or evening.

The theme chosen for this year is "Pray Fervently in Righteousness and Avail Much." It is based upon scripture from James 5:16b, which says, "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

The program includes: Prelude beginning at 11:45 a.m. by the Allegheny Wesleyan College Orchestra; musical selections provided by the The Keller Family which includes Marie, Charity, Mercy, Promise, Jubilee, Ransom, Song and Blessing. Welcome and opening prayer by Pastor Pete Fowler; flag presentations and pledges led by Boy Scouts Mackenzie Spence, Brandon Eastek and Scout Leader Eric Swiger. The National Anthem will be led by the Allegheny Wesleyan College Orchestra; Proclamation for the City of Salem by Mayor Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey; Scripture and Prayer for Business by Sara Rossler; Government by Pastor Tim Ginter; Media by Pastor Andy Black; Family by Marie Keller; Military by Columbiana County Prosecutor Vito Abruzzino; Church by Pastor Christopher Brock; Education by Audrey Null; Safety Forces/Health Care Workers by Kevin Bryan; Recognition of Safety Forces/Health Care Workers by Kevin Bryan and the closing prayer by Daniel Hardy.