The Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce will host a prayer breakfast Thursday, May 3 in honor of the National Day of Prayer.

The program will feature guest speaker Tom Logan, and the theme will be centered around the 7×7 theme that encourages individuals to pray seven days a week for the seven points of power: government, military, media, business, education, church and family.

The National Day of Prayer is an American tradition that was started in 1775 when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for guidance during the formation of the nation.

A prayer breakfast will take place at the Unique Suites Hotel Banquet Facility and will be catered by County Catering.

Brittany Jones, a junior elementary education major, said she thinks the prayer breakfast will be good.

“It would be interesting to see how people come together to pray,” Jones said.

Guest speaker Tom Logan is the co-founder of Marion Medical Mission, a Christian volunteer organization that helps the people of Africa, including providing clean drinking water.

Lauren Anderson, a sophomore history major, said she did not know about the national day of prayer.

“If it is voluntary, I do not see what is wrong with it,” Anderson said.

Steve Shor, a senior family and consumer science major, said he does not agree with the National Day of Prayer.

“I do not think it is necessary,” Shore said.

Shore said he does not agree with those who try to push their religion on him and said he feels there should be a separation of church and state.

“I think it is horribly frustrating to have to deal with (those people),” Shore said.

Blake Korte, a senior music education major, said he does not know much about the National Day of Prayer. Korte said he does consider himself religious.

“I do my thing and I let people do theirs,” Korte said.

The Coles County National Day of Prayer Breakfast will take place from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on May 3, and participants are required to pre-register for the event by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1 at the chamber office, 501 Jackson Ave., or online, with each ticket costing $15.

Kathryn Richter can be reached at 581-2812 or kjrichter@eiu.edu.