The public is invited to observe the 64th annual National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 3 at the Auburn City Hall Plaza, 25 W. Main St.

Eleven pastors from many denominations will lead a public prayer event from noon to 1 p.m. in the plaza, 25 W. Main St. (Indoors in case of rain.)

The theme for the event is found in Psalm 33:12. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”

Mayor Pete Lewis issued a proclamation declaring May 3, 2012 “National Day of Prayer in Auburn.” He urged “all citizens to join in keeping the wishes of the Congress of the United States, in joining me in prayer full of hope and reflection, sorrow and fear, remorse and renewed resolve, thanks and joyful praise in this special observance.”

A Gallup poll found that 78 percent of Americans identify themselves as Christians, believing in the merciful living God of the Bible who intervenes in the affairs of men. To reverse the troubling trend toward nationwide moral collapse, Christians believe it will take more than electing ethical leaders.

This year local, state and federal observances will be held from sunrise in Maine to sunset in Hawaii, uniting Americans from all socio-economic, political and ethnic backgrounds in prayer for the nation.

Last year more than two million people attended more than 30,000 observances at state capitols, county court houses, city halls, schools, businesses and churches.