A crowd of about 50 people gathered under tents outside of the Armory on Front Street to hear from local pastors and pray together during the National Day of Prayer observance Thursday. (File photo)

As the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding, communities around the Mid-Ohio Valley will take part in the 75th National Day of Prayer observance.

The theme of this year’s event is “Glorify God Among the Nations – Seeking Him in All Generations,” based on the New American Standard Bible translation of 1 Chronicles 16:24, according to nationaldayofprayer.org. The website is run by the National Day of Prayer Task Force, a nonprofit group that promotes a Judeo-Christian expression of the day.

The National Day of Prayer was established in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.

The City of Vienna will mark the day with its traditional 8:30 a.m. gathering at the flagpole in front of the city building at 609 29th St.

In Parkersburg, people will gather at Bicentennial Park, Market and Juliana streets, at noon.

Marietta’s observance will take place at noon at the Armory on Front Street.

The Vienna Ministerial Association will have a Day of Prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at Spencer’s Landing.

In addition, the Warehouse Church is planning an observance at 7 p.m. Thursday at the church, 2501 Garfield Ave., Parkersburg. An organizer said people from all area churches are invited to the event, which will include multiple pastors.