GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – A few cities in Eastern Carolina are hosting events for National Day of Prayer.

National Day of Prayer officials say the day is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people to pray for the nation. President Harry S. Truman signed it into law after it was created in 1952 by a joint resolution, according to the organization.

At least four Eastern Carolina cities are coming together to pray today.

At Union Point Park in New Bern, Craven County NDOP Coordinator Lisa Wiltse says worship music will start at 11:15 a.m. with a unified prayer at noon.

In Lenoir County, officials say Mayor Don Hardy and preachers will be at Grainger Stadium in Kinston from noon to 1 p.m.

At 5:30 p.m. in the City of Washington, local pastor and City Councilman Antwan Horton says they are hosting a prayer gathering at Mac Hodges Festival Park.

City Harvest Church in Richlands is opening its sanctuary to the public at 6 p.m. Pastor T.A. Cavenaugh will be joined by several other area pastors for an evening of prayer.