The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance in the United States held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. The focus of this year's observance is unity.
Frank Pomeroy, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, told a news outlet his family, as well as survivors of the massacre, have been invited to the ceremony at the White House.
"We did not expect a personal invitation to the White House from the president," the pastor's wife, Sherri, told My SanAntonio.
"When I received that email, I confirmed the legitimacy of the invitation and accepted, of course."
Police said gunman Devin Kelley walked into the church last November and killed 26 members of the church's congregation during a Sunday morning service.
Sherri added: "While this invitation is bittersweet because of the events that brought us to this place, may we never turn down a forum to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ wherever it takes us."
Frank will lead a prayer at the service and attend a private banquet celebrating the National Day of Prayer on Thursday evening.
Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.
