Paul Militzer, executive director of Community Hope Center, prayed for the church and “national unity for the common good.” He prayed that “we would become one, that we would set aside our differences and focus on Jesus Christ and Your word.”

Praying for the future of youth, Keith Neuber of Kreative Kids Learning Center noted the approach of Mother’s Day and that a handwritten, barely legible note saying “I love you” from a child brings a better response than an expensive gift.

“Help us to realize that children were meant to be seen, and heard, and respected, and appreciated and loved,” he prayed.

His prayer noted that “in the eyes of children, actions speak louder than words,” and “if what we seek to teach children is good for them, it is good for us.”

Sister M. Anastasia Maher, mission lead/pastoral care at OSF Healthcare Saint Anthony’s, prayed for health care facilities and workers.

“Bless and accompany every moment of their service,” she prayed. “As they seek to care for you in each human being they serve, they may again consecrate themselves and the gifts you have given them.”

Retired school superintendent John Pearson prayed for educators. It was noted before he started that he was wearing Chicago Cubs socks.

“I wish God would speed all manner of hitting and pitching to the Cubs, but it hasn’t happened so far,” he said before praying. He added that it has been a difficult two years for everybody, especially educators.

“We ask that you grant our teachers and school personnel an abundance of your wisdom,” he said. “Give them grace as they help students who aren’t thriving, courage to say what needs to be said, tools and knowledge on how and when to speak love, and strength when they seem weak.

“They are shaping the future in one million small but incredibly important ways every day,” he continued. “Bless them Lord so they may see even just a glimpse of how their faithfulness will impact generations to come.”

Tammy Iskarous, executive director of Riverbend Family Ministries, prayed for families.

“Our families need your presence in their lives today,” she said. “Some are struggling with work and finance, while others have concerns for their health, their mental health, their safety or personal relationships.”

She asked for help in making the best choices when hard decisions are called for.

“Give us hope to carry on despite the circumstances around us,” she said. “Help us to support each other, help us to have genuine empathy.”

Chaplain John Bolling prayed for the city of Alton, as well as local firefighters, police and other emergency responders.

Others praying included Sara Dierker, a chaplain at Alton Memorial Hospital, who prayed for the sanctity of life; the Rev. Bill Pyatt, a retired Methodist minister and one of the event’s organizers, who prayed for normalcy; Jason Harrison of Lamay’s Catering & Café, who prayed for business; Mark Ellebracht, news director of Big Z Media, who prayed for the military; and TSgt. Colleen Scott of the 183rd Wing, an Illinois Air National Guard unit based in Springfield, who prayed for the Military and Government.

The Marquette High School chorus sang “Prayer for Ukraine” in Ukrainian and Alton Mayor David Goins and Godfrey Economic Development Director Jim Mager read proclamations for the National Day of Prayer.

The event ended with a recitation of “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Days of prayer have been held since 1775 when the Continental Congress designated a time for prayer in forming the nation, according to the National Day of Prayer website. In 1863 Abraham Lincoln called for a day of prayer.

The National Day of Prayer was established by Congress as an annual event in 1952. The law was amended in 1988 designating the first Thursday in May.

For more information visit the National Day of Prayer website at www.nationaldayofprayer.org.