Community members, leaders and church officials gathered Thursday in Austin to recognize National Day of Prayer.

Pastors from several area churches, including Faith Evangelical Free Church, In His Hands Ministry, Church of Christ and Crane Community Chapel, attended the prayer at the Veterans Memorial in downtown Austin. Faith leaders also held another prayer at the Veterans Pavillion Thursday evening.

Dave DeFor, pastor of Church of Christ, said the day is a good way to pray for and honor all national, state and city leaders and veterans. He is touched that for all Americans, only two people have sacrificed their lives: Jesus and U.S. soldiers.

“I don’t know about you, but I get choked up just thinking about that,” he said.

National Day of Prayer has been recognized around the U.S. since 1775, has its own website, nationaldayofprayer.org, and is a way to pray for leaders around the nation. Several of Austin and Mower County’s leaders were present for the prayer, including Sheriff Terese Amazi, Deputy Mark May, Council Member Marian Clennon and Mayor Tom Stiehm.

Faith leaders prayed about conflicts around the world, the economy, elected officials, school leaders, veterans and all of Minnesota.

“I think it’s really good for other churches in the comunity to be reminded about our common beliefs and values; and together, we want to lift those up to God,” said Pastor Tim Batdorf of Faith Evangelical Free Church.

And all faith leaders recognized the day without denominational ties.

Pastor Dale Christiansen of Crane Community Chapel said, “I think it’s good for us to humble ourselves before God. It’s easy to be critical of people in leadership, but they need our support.”

Several churches throughout Mower County held all-day open prayers throughout Thursday for National Day of Prayer.