People across the nation are expected to take a moment out of their day Thursday to pray in honor of National Day of Prayer, and the city of Selma is inviting the local residents to do the same.

The city will host three prayer-related events to observe National Day of Prayer, beginning with a breakfast at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center at 6:30 a.m.

The breakfast will be followed by a prayer service in the City Council Chambers, located in Selma City Hall at 11:45 a.m. and then a service at Memorial Stadium at 6 p.m.

“Prayer changes things,” Sonya McCall, assistant to Selma Mayor George Evans, said. “I really don’t know any faith that does not include prayer, so it’s evident prayer works.”

President Harry Truman signed a joint resolution in 1952 creating the National Day of Prayer.

The day was designed to communicate the need for personal repentance and prayer, create appropriate materials, and mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America’s leaders and its families, according to the National Day of Prayer’s website.

McCall said she thinks this event is a great opportunity to pray for the Selma community, the entire nation, political leaders and personal issues.

When it comes to the Selma area, McCall said that much prayer is needed to combat the heavy violence in the community.

“It’s prayer to just unite us as a city,” McCall said.