Tyler — Across the U.S. people will gather Thursday to celebrate the National Day of Prayer and East Texans will have many opportunities to join in the event.

The National Day of Prayer is observed annually on the first Thursday of May and invites people of all faiths to pray for the nation, according to a website about it.

The U.S. Congress created it in 1952 by a joint resolution and President Harry S. Truman signed it into law.

Since 1952, every president has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation.

This year's theme is "Pray for America - UNITY," based on the New Testament passage of Ephesians 4:3, which reads, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

"Our hope is that individuals, churches and spiritual leaders in America, will humble ourselves and unify in prevailing prayer for the next great move of God in America," the website reads. "We can come together in clear agreement that this is our greatest need. We can become a visible union, standing together in prayer."

East Texas events include:

Tyler - 27th Annual Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, Harvey Convention Center, 2000 W. Front St. Doors open 6:30 a.m. Program 7-8 a.m. Breakfast will be served. No tickets required. Admission is free.

Tyler - Prayer on the Downtown Square, T.B. Butler Fountain Plaza, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Different churches and ministries will lead prayer and worship for one-hour blocks. Community leaders will gather at noon to pray for the nation, sing the national anthem and "God Bless America."

Bullard - Mayor's Prayer Breakfast hosted by city of Bullard and the Bullard Ministerial Alliance at The Brook Hill School, 1051 N. Houston St., 6:30-8 a.m.

Canton - Van Zandt County Courthouse, 121 E. Dallas St., 12:15-12:45 p.m.

Lindale - Prayer for Unity, Life Source Community Church Annex, 202 W. Hubbard St., noon-1 p.m. An hour to pray together as part of the body of Christ, for area churches, city, state and nation to come together in peace and helpfulness rather than discord and strife.

Lindale - Garden Valley Bible Church, 17117 Farm-to-Market Road 1253, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Come to pray aloud or in silence as the Lord leads. Church will open at 6 p.m. Child care is not available.

Longview - Gregg County Courthouse, 101 E. Methvin St. Suite 109, Longview noon-1 p.m. Join as they pray for blessings on the community. Longview Clergy Coalition.

Longview - Pray for America, Mobberly Baptist Church, 625 E. Loop 281, 7-8:30 p.m.

Troup - Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, First Baptist Church - Family Life Center, 935 Highway 135 S., 6-7 a.m.

Winnsboro - Prayer at City Hall, 501 S. Main St., noon-12:45 p.m. Local pastors will lead prayer on different topics and others can pray as well.