HIGH POINT — People across North Carolina and the nation will take time out Thursday to say a prayer for our country.

It was a part of the National Day of Prayer, a tradition that has been happening since before the nation was formed. In churches and places of worship across North Carolina, heads were bowed and hands folded.

Thousands in prayer on National Day of Prayer.

“It really is an opportunity to remember and reflect. In other words, in takes us back to the root of our nation, the founding of our nation,” said Green Street Baptist Church Senior Pastor Darryl Craft.

The first call to prayer happened back in 1775 when the Continental Congress asked the Colonies to pray for guidance as a leader formed the country. It is a practice that has continued for more than 200 years.

“And somewhat like Thanksgiving and Christmas, The National Day of Prayer is a national observance and tradition where American people of all backgrounds and faiths can join together to pray for their nation,” said Laurel University President Dr. Larry McCullough

Although not everyone will be able to formerly participate, officials hope that sometime on Thursday, people will take time to pray.

“While some people may feel that prayer isn't as important as it should be it's truly a very important time to be committing ourselves to be praying for our community state and our nation,” said McCullough.

The annual event was signed into law in 1952. Each year it is held on the first Thursday of May.