Two different groups have announced prayer rallies for the Missouri Capitol.
The first, part of the national "Show Me Your Glory, Lord" annual event, will be March 30.
The second will happen May 17, when the Rev. Franklin Graham brings his "Decision America" tour to Jefferson City.
Show Me Your Glory
The National Day of Prayer Task Force for Missouri noted the "Show Me Your Glory, Lord" annual event was created in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and it followed a period of 40 days of prayer and fasting by some Missouri religious leaders concerned by state budget's financial stability and by the growing political tensions and apprehensions.
Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer will be the keynote speaker for the March 30 event, which begins at 10 a.m. with prayer walks, followed by an 11 a.m. praise and worship program on the South Capitol steps.
A noon rally in the Rotunda will feature Lutzer, senior pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago, who also is known for the radio outreach program "Running to Win," along with legislators and other state leaders.
The March 30 event will launch Missouri's 2016 40 Days of Fasting & Prayer, which will end May 13 - the final day of this year's legislative session.
Organizers invite people to "join the body of Christ as we humbly repent, pray and intercede for our state and leaders."
More information is available from Sue Stoltz of the National Day of Prayer Task Force at 573-647-6285.
Decision America Tour
Evangelist Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association are conducting prayer rallies in all 50 states this year. Jefferson City will be the "Decision America" tour's 23rd stop.
"America's attention is on this election year, but I do not believe Republicans or Democrats or any other party can turn this nation around," Graham said in a news release. "Only God can. God hears the prayers of his people, so we'll be calling on Christians in every state to pray fervently and faithfully for America."
Graham is president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, named for Franklin's famous father.
He said in an online posting that the Decision America Tour "will not endorse political candidates or legislation, and no candidates or current public officials will speak at any of the rallies."
But, he added: "I'm going to every state in our country to challenge Christians to live out their faith at home, in public and at the ballot box - and I will share the Gospel."
The May 17 event also will be staged on the Capitol's South Steps, beginning at noon.