National Prayer Day held on the lawn of Raleigh's legislature.
The 62nd annual observance of a National Day of Prayer was held on the lawn of the Raleigh state legislature today with the government’s highest elected officials and 100 members of the public present to offer prayers for all members of the community.
It was a cloudy, chilly spring day in the city and the mood was somber in memory of loved ones who have lost their lives. Prayers for a renewed commitment to uphold faith and service to one another were offered. Following a child’s school chorus and the song “Holy, Holy, Holy,” North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest gave the opening proclamation, followed by prayers from members of the state legislature, social ministry and church leaders, each praying to serve their respective communities with divine purpose. Some members of the public kneeled in worship and huddled together to pray in unison.
A small group of petitioners with signs saying “National Day of Reason” with the word prayer crossed out stood before the legislative offices in protest. “The church and state should be kept apart,” one of the protestors said.
