COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., -- As American troops fight for democracy and freedom around the globe, citizens of the United States are preparing to celebrate their freedom to gather, worship and pray. Millions will answer the call to prayer on May 5, the 54th annual National Day of Prayer, by flocking to observances held in public venues to pray for the nation, governmental leaders, media, and schools.

This year's theme is "God Shed His Grace On Thee" and is based on Hebrews 4:16 NIV - "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

National Day of Prayer Chairperson, Shirley Dobson, wife of Focus on the Family founder and chairperson, Dr. James Dobson, said "the concept of grace is preeminent in both the National Day of Prayer theme and the supporting verse for this year.

"The National Day of Prayer provides each of us with a powerful opportunity to humble ourselves before the Almighty and to seek the ‘redeeming and preserving grace' Abraham Lincoln so eloquently spoke in asking God to forgive our collective rebellion against him. We can also pray for our schools, the media and especially our governmental leaders, asking the Lord to grant them wisdom and yes, grace, for the challenges they face on a daily basis. How encouraging to know that our loving heavenly Father listens and responds to our personal and corporate petitions, enabling us to ‘receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.'"

Noted author and pastor Max Lucado is the 2005 Honorary Chairperson and will address the national event in Washington, D.C. In addition to his appearance at the national observance, Lucado has released, "Turn: Remembering Our Foundations," which is this year's theme book.

The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America when the Continental Congress issued a proclamation setting aside a day of prayer in 1775. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.