National Day of Prayer dates back to 1775, when the first Continental Congress called for guidance in the decision to form a new nation. President Lincoln proclaimed a day of prayer in 1863. Congress established the National Day of Prayer in 1952, signed into law by President Truman.

The current first Thursday in May date for the National Day of Prayer came in 1988, when the law was amended and signed by President Reagan.

The Greenville-area observance will begin with the Greenville Kiwanis Club Community Prayer Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. in Hempfield Station One Banquet Center. Cost is $6 a person. The Rev. Jim Miller of First United Methodist Church, Greenville, will speak.

A prayer walk will meet at 9:30 a.m. in Central Park, Greenville. Melodies of Praise is scheduled at 11:30 a.m., with a community prayer service set for noon, both in the park.

A salad luncheon, hosted by Greenville Area Council of Church Women, will be at 12:30 p.m. in Greenville Salvation Army. Judith Christ, a music therapist, will present the program. Paper products will be collected for local families in need.

Reservations: Prayer breakfast, (724) 588-3938; luncheon, 588-5190. Deadline is April 29.