The city of Oxford joined communities across the nation in commemorating the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in The Studio at the Oxford Performing Arts Center.

This year’s theme was based on 1 Chronicles 16:24, “Glorify God among the nations. Seeking Him to all generations.”

The near-capacity audience watched as the Oxford Police Department Honor Guard paced themselves toward the front and gave a salute.

The National Anthem was sung by Jeremy Lesley of Word Alive International Outreach.

Nikkie Gibson of Word Alive International Outreach served as the emcee for the event and thanked Mayor Alton Craft “for his dedication in covering our cities and our state in prayer – not just today, but every day.”

Mayor Alton Craft read a resolution making the day official in the city of Oxford.

“This is the biggest day of the year for me,” Craft said. “I am so happy that God has blessed us. He’s blessed me to live in this great nation for 65 years and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”

The Oxford High School Choir brought the audience to their feet several times with sustained applause for their performances of the spiritual “Going Home” and the classic Gospel hymn, “How Great Thou Art.”

Eleven specific prayers were offered for 11 specific points. They were:

Nation – Father John McDonald of Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Government – Hobson City council member Frederick Striplin

Media – David Williams, pastor, Church of the Highlands

Family – Kristi Harrison – Founder of Ceiling Breakers

Church – Zach Van Gieson, pastor, Lakeview Baptist Church

Education – Cindy Williams, retired educator

Business – Anita Lee – Lee’s Holistic Wellness

Military – Jerry Duncan, U.S. Navy E5 Seebees (Ret.)

Police – Dr. C.O. Grinstead, pastor, Trinity Baptist Church

Fire – Chris Spurlin, pastor, Brookside Baptist Church

EMS – Gary Burns, senior pastor, Lighthouse Church

City of Oxford – Ken Maddox, Word Alive International Outreach

Gibson concluded the hour-long event with the traditional blessing: “The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon each and every one of you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you great peace.”