The Red Oak Community will hold the seventh annual National Day of Prayer Breakfast at Red Oak Excavating on Thursday, May 5.

“What we’re trying to do is get the community and surrounding areas to come together and pray for our leaders,” said Mary Ellen Hall, a committee member.

Hall said this is the seventh year the event has been coordinated in the county, and last year’s prayer breakfast boasted over 275 people.

She said the event has seen up to 300 in the past. Hall said she is hoping this year will bring a greater turn out.

Gene Hall, Jr., owner of Red Oak Excavating and committee member said, “our country really needs prayer. It’s a time for the surrounding communities to come together and pray together.”

He said although the event is based in Charlotte County, those living in Mecklenburg and Halifax participate too.

According to Gene, the program is broken down into different divisions throughout the morning. These divisions include government, military, school, business, media, family and church.

Guest speakers will touch on each of the division for 3-5 minutes each, followed by prayer for each division.

Mary Ellen said the program is made possible and sponsored by businesses and churches.

“Everyone in the community is welcome to the national day of prayer,” Gene said.

The event is always held on the first Thursday in May, he said. This year, the event will take place on Thursday, May 5 from 6-8 a.m.

Mary Ellen said the event is held early to allow participants adequate time to attend in light of work obligations.

There is no charge to attend, and breakfast will served from 6-6:35 a.m.

The theme for this year’s event will be “Wake up America,” based on Isaiah 58:1a, “shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet.”

Red Oak Excavating is located at 5192 Barnesville Hwy. in Red Oak.