Throughout the day Thursday, Natchez will be seeking help from the highest authority we know — our heavenly Father.

Your participation in that request for divine help is needed as well.

The city will honor the National Day of Prayer today, beginning early with a prayer time at 7 a.m. at the bandstand gazebo on the Natchez bluff.

The group will convene again at the Adams County Courthouse at noon for additional prayer and then again will meet at 6:30 p.m. to hold a prayer walk through the streets of downtown Natchez.

We all need God’s grace, but perhaps never before in Natchez’s history has it needed it more than right now.

The problems of Natchez are also problems of our state, nation and world as well.

Criminals roam the streets with no regard or respect for the lives or property of others.

Evil surrounds our world and can often turn normally sound minds down a wayward path.

If you are able, we encourage you to participate in at least a portion of today’s National Day of Prayer in Natchez.

If you cannot make one of the formal events, simply find a few moments to go to a quiet spot wherever you are and pray for Natchez and the surrounding areas.

Pray for our leaders.

Pray for our children.

Pray for our present woes.

And pray for our future triumphs.