POPLARVILLE — Pearl River County leaders plan to host a National Day of Prayer observance on the lawn in front of the old county courthouse, allowing residents to participate. 

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance first established in 1952 and held on the first Thursday in May. The 2026 observance will take place May 7. 

Lindsay Ward, Pearl River County’s economic development director, said no official date or time has been set, but additional details are expected by April. 

The county has previously worked with various community organizations to sponsor the event, and Ward said she expects similar partnerships this year. 

Local businesses, churches and Poplarville City Hall typically participate in the ceremony, which includes community prayer and musical performances. Ward said she hopes to have representatives from local churches lead prayer and worship elements. 

The 2026 theme for the observance is “Glorify God among the nations, seeking him in all generations,” taken from a prayer of thanksgiving by King David, according to the National Day of Prayer organization. 

More information will be posted on the Pearl River County Board of Supervisors’ Facebook page.