Believers mark National Day of Prayer May 4 Christians from throughout the Northwest will join millions of believers across America Thursday, May 4, in a variety of special observances for the 49th annual National Day of Prayer.

Both Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber and Portland Mayor Vera Katz have signed proclamations recognizing May 4 as a Day of Prayer in the state of Oregon and the city of Portland.

Theme for the national observance this year is "PRAY2K: America's Hope for the New Millennium." Nationwide, more than 20,000 prayer events are expcted to take place May 4.

The National Day of Prayer Task Force, based in Colorado Springs, Colo., promotes the annual event. "Our hope for America as we press into the new millennium is rooted in reverence for God and our dependence on His continued blessing and guidance," said Shirley Dobson, chairman of the National Day of Prayer and the wife of Focus on the Family founder James Dobson. "That expression of faith inspired our founding fathers at the birth of this nation, and it will be our strength in the days ahead."

Oregon coordinator for this year's observance is James Autry, station manager for Crawford Broadcasting's KKPZ, KKSL and KPBC radio in Portland. KKPZ, 1330 on the AM dial, will carry a live national "Concert of Prayer" broadcast from Washington, D.C., from 5 to 8 p.m. on May 4. For information from the national office, phone (719) 531-3379. Information on Oregon events is listed below. For more details contact Autry at (503) 242-1950 or send e-mail to jamesautry @integrityonline.com

Prayer Events Around the Region

Beaverton - 1 to 6 p.m., Prayer Vigil at Cedar Mill Bible Church, (503) 644-3156.

Bend - Fellowship Bible Church, 20575 Rae Road, will be open for prayer all day. (541) 350-1247.

Noon, prayer on the steps of City Hall. (541) 382-8274. Benton County - Noon, prayer on the steps of the County Courthouse. (541) 752-4070.

Clackamas County - 7 to 8:30 a.m., Prayer Breakfast at Pioneer Community Center. (503) 656-8582.

Dayton/Amity - 24 hour prayer vigil at Amity Church of Christ. (503) 868-7587.

Eugene - 5 to 6 p.m. Prayer and praise at Lane County Court House followed by a prayer walk. ( 541) 689-4440 or (541) 686-9244.

Gresham - 8 a.m., Mayor's Prayer Breakfast at Heidi's Restaurant. (503) 492-2960.

Noon, prayer at City Hall. (503) 658-5680.

Halsey - Radio stations KGAL and KSHO carrying 30-second prayer spots by Steven Slater, pastor of Central Valley Church.

Molalla - 8 a.m., Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, at the Adult Center.

Portland - 12:30 p.m., prayers from the steps of City Hall will be broadcast live on AM 1330 KKPZ.

Roseburg - 7 p.m., special prayer service at Church of the Nazarene, 3013 Stewart Parkway. (541) 679-7203.

Redmond - Noon, time of prayer across from City Hall.

Salem - Noon, Prayer in the Capitol Mall across from the State Capitol. (503) 362-6626.

Seaside - 7:30 to 9 a.m., Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, Dooger's Restaurant. Prayer vigils at Seaside United Methodist Church and Our Savior Lutheran Church. Prayer service from 5 to 6 p.m. at Seaside Christian Church.

Tillamook County - 12:20 p.m., prayer at the County Courthouse. (503) 842-8983.

Willamina - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Willamina Christian Church will be open for prayer.