Believers in Charlotte mark National Day of Prayer

Believers in Charlotte and across the country gathered Thursday in churches, city halls, courthouses and YMCAs to mark the 64th annual National Day of Prayer.

Designated by Congress in 1952, the day is mostly observed now by evangelical Christians, with many prayers invoking Jesus.

The National Day of Prayer Task Force estimated 35,000 prayer gatherings would be held Thursday.

Several events were scheduled in and around Charlotte. At the University City YMCA, about 80 people, including ministers and scores of children, gathered for prayers said in English, Spanish and Telugu, a language popular in India.

At the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, several members of Congress joined evangelical Christian leaders for a Thursday morning service.

This year’s theme is “Lord, Hear Our Cry.” It’s based on 1 Kings 8:28, a biblical passage which reads: “Hear the cry and prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.” Tim Funk

This story was originally published May 7, 2015 at 11:13 AM with the headline "Believers in Charlotte mark National Day of Prayer."