ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Today marks the National Day of Prayer celebrated throughout the United States and local churches will hold a celebration in Belmont County.

The St. Clairsville Area of Churches will hold its annual National Day of Prayer service at the Belmont County Courthouse starting at 11:45 a.m. today.

The event will begin with singing and music. The theme for this year’s National Day of Prayer is “Lift Up The Word, Light Up The World.”

According to Nikki Smithberger, Staff Pastor of Harbor of Hope, multiple churches in the Belmont County area will be represented.

Several pastors, judges and political leaders are scheduled to be in attendance.

At noon today, Pastor Dave St. Aubin of Thorburn United Methodist Church is set to give a speech. St. Aubin is this year’s keynote speaker and will also lead the event in prayer.

After his speech the attendees will break off into groups and participate in group prayer.

The event ends at 1 p.m. and people of all ages are welcomed.