(Columbia) May 5, 2005 - The message at Shandon Baptist Church was unity and faith and it is a message spreading throughout the country.

Heads were bowed low at the church's midday service as people took part in the National Day of Prayer. Members of the community each prayed for issues affecting the state and the nation. Shandon's pastor Dr. Dick Lincoln, "Prayer is one of those things we can do, come together and pray we all are concerned for our government and our schools and our military. I think it's wonderful to come together for things we have in common."

Gayle Davis came to pray and says the National Day of Prayer reached across the country, giving people of all races and denominations a chance to pray together, "We're here to do the right thing, to be an example to all the world and there's so much tyranny and terrible things that are happening."

Margaret Morphis was also there to pray, "We should get together not just today, but all the time. That's what God wants his people to do, get together and pray."

President Bush also marked the National Day of Prayer at the White House, by giving thanks for freedom and asking God's help in defending it. The president, who says he prays every day, did it in front of an East Room filled with people of many faiths.

The president says freedom is a gift from God meant for all people and prays "for help in defending the gift of freedom from those who seek to destroy it."

The speakers in the interfaith ceremony included a rabbi and a Catholic priest, and there was a heavy evangelical presence. Among the attendees: National Day of Prayer Chairwoman Shirley Dobson and her husband, James, who heads the group Focus on the Family. Also present was Christian author Max Lucado.

The National Day of Prayer is a tradition that goes back to 1952. Shandon Baptist Church used the service to kick off their the global day of prayer which starts Friday and runs through May 15th.

By Tamara King
Posted 7:33pm by BrettWitt with AP