A Prayer task force encourages thousands to exercise their rights together in the National Day of Prayer.

USA (MNN)–Despite the threat of terrorism, Christians in the United States are gathering together today for the 53th annual National Day of Prayer Observance.

The theme this year is “Let Freedom Ring.” It’s a sentiment moved forward by the ongoing fight for freedom in Iraq.

Coinciding with this event, is the Bible Reading Marathon. Director of the Capitol Marathon, Mike Hall. “Its connection to the National Day of Prayer is, of course, we feel we’re laying the foundation for everything that happens today, on the National Day of Prayer.”

The Bible Reading Marathon is partnered with Bible Pathway Ministries, a program that takes readers through the Bible in a year. Hall says freedom in truth appeals to everyone. “This year has been very poignant. Since 9-11, we’ve had reduced crowds, but nevertheless, there seems to be a spirit of optimism even though we’re under threat of terrorist attacks, the government tells us.”

And yet, he says, there is a determination not to give in to fear. That’s evidenced, Hall says by the number of participants in this year’s Capitol Bible Readin Marathon. “We’ve not had any diminishing of Christian schools to come or people from out of state. They’ve had great confidence that we’re going in the right direction.”

As in previous years, President George W. Bush, all 50 governors and the governors from the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are expected to sign proclamations setting aside the first Thursday in May as a day of prayer.