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(Photo by CAROLINE LOBSINGER) A worshipper holds her arms out in prayer during Thursday’s National Day of Prayer celebration at Farmin Park in Sandpoint.

(Photo by CAROLINE LOBSINGER) Worshippers lower their heads in prayer as they listen during Thursday’s National Day of Prayer celebration at Famin Park in Sandpoint. The theme this year was “For Your Great Name’s Sake! Hear Us ... Forgive Us ... Heal Us,” which is inspired by Daniel 9:19. Congress established the National Day of Prayer in 1952. The observance is currently held the first Thursday each May when all Americans are encouraged to exercise their religious freedom by gathering publicly to worship and pray for the country, its people and its officials.

(Photo by CAROLINE LOBSINGER) A worshipper raises his arms in prayer during Thursday's National Day of Prayer celebration at Farmin Park in Sandpoint.

(Photo by CAROLINE LOBSINGER) Day Rush lowers his head in prayer during Thursday's National Day of Prayer celebration at Farmin n Sandpoint. Several hundred area residents took part in the annual event.

(Photo by CAROLINE LOBSINGER) A pastor speaks to the faithful gathered at Farmin Park in Sandpoint during Thursday's National Day of Prayer celebration.

(Photo by CAROLINE LOBSINGER) The Marine Corps Color Guard opened the community's National Day of Prayer celebration with the Pledge of Allegiance.

(Photo by CAROLINE LOBSINGER) A few of the hundreds who gathered to celebrate Thursday's National Day of Prayer celebration lower their heads in prayer. The annual event drew a strong crowd which filled about half of the Sandpoint park.

(Photo by CAROLINE LOBSINGER) Worshippers lower their heads in prayer as they take part in Thursday's National Day of Prayer celebration at Farmin Park in Sandpoint.

(Photo by CAROLINE LOBSINGER) A pair lean together in prayer during Thursday's National Day of Prayer celebration at Farmin Park in Sandpoint.

(Photo by CAROLINE LOBSINGER) A worshipper raises her arm in prayer during Thursday's National Day of Prayer celebration at Farmin Park in Sandpoint.

(Photo by CAROLINE LOBSINGER) The theme this year's National Day of Prayer celebration was “For Your Great Name’s Sake! Hear Us ... Forgive Us ... Heal Us,” which is inspired by Daniel 9:19. Established by Congress in 1952, the observance is held the first Thursday each May when all Americans are encouraged to exercise their religious freedom by gathering publicly to worship and pray for the country, its officials and its people.