The 16th annual Bible reading marathon in the U.S. capitol, which continues day and night from 2nd May 2005 regardless of weather, culminates today and meets the beginning of the National Day of Prayer which starts today, 5th May – Ascension Day and will kick off the Global Day of Prayer's ten day period, finishing on the Biblical day of Pentecost, May 15th.

The Marathon was been founded by the creator of the well-known Bible Pathways devotional guide, Dr. John Hash, 25 years ago with the support of the International Bible Reading Association. Its purpose is to fight against the growing problem of Biblical illiteracy in America and is being used to encourage many believers working in Washington DC and across the nation.

"We feel that we're doing what Nehemiah did when there was a public reading of God's Word which called a nation to repentance and, when we explain what we're doing and why we're doing, we feel that we re reaching people and changing their minds," explains Reverend Michael Hall.

As the Marathon wraps in the afternoon, Christian believers from across the continents will join their hands and hearts together, following the Biblical example and pray for the unity in the Kingdom of God. They will begin the National Day of Prayer with tearing down all racial and denominational boundaries to unite as one body of Christ with one purpose: to seek God’s renewal, revival and hope towards a greater Pentecost.

The fundamental purpose of the National Day of Prayer with this year's theme "God Shed His Grace on Thee" is to call the US nation to prayer. The Global Day of Prayer also emphasises prayer for the world as a movement of God. As Christians gather this May, they have been told to seek God, and await the powerful blessing of His hand and believe that the prayer will not only unite communities, but can also unite the world.

More than 200 million believers are expected to unite for this global celebration on May 15th with six hours of live prayer broadcasting, one hour from each continent across the globe. Prayer broadcasting will be accessible from any location at any time, by satellite, radio and internet. So far, 125 countries have confirmed to participate in this great upcoming project.