OXFORD, AL — Leaders from faith communities, local businesses and government agencies will join residents in Oxford on Thursday, May 7, 2026, to observe the National Day of Prayer.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at noon in front of Oxford City Hall and will feature the presentation of colors, music and guided prayer focused on the local community, the nation and global concerns.
City officials announced that if weather conditions require a change in plans, the event will instead be held inside The Studio at Oxford Performing Arts Center.
The National Day of Prayer was established in 1952 through a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan designated the observance to take place annually on the first Thursday in May.
Oxford Mayor Alton Craft said the event holds personal and community significance.
“This is always a special day for me,” Craft said. “This is so important to me. Many don’t understand the blessings this city gets every day. I’m not saying we don’t have problems, but the Lord protects us, and we should appreciate that. For our citizens in Oxford, ‘In God We Trust’ is not just the national motto, it’s a way of life.”
Residents and visitors are invited to attend the public observance.
