Gov. Larry Hogan Leads Md. Faithful On 'National Day Of Prayer'

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Marylanders joined Americans across the country on Wednesday in praying for our nation. It was the National Day of Prayer, designated by Congress in 1952.

Pat Warren reports on a gathering of more than 150 faith leaders in Maryland.

The gathering was led by Maryland's top government leader, Governor Larry Hogan, who makes no secret of his faith.

"We have representatives of a number of religions gathered here together -- proof that even though our individual faiths may differ, we are still united in prayer," said Gov. Hogan.

Putting differences aside, Marylanders celebrated the National Day of Prayer, with a host of the faithful from around the state.

"Whether it is the adhan, the Sunday bells of proverbial St. Mary's, the blowing of the shofar, people have been answering the call to prayer for thousands of years," said Rev. Carletta Allen, Ashbury United Methodist Church, Annapolis.

"We bow our heads in hopes of one day looking up to see in each other our kinship," said Rev. Starlette McNeill, Village Baptist Church, Bowie.

"We come together in unity, realizing the task that lies before each of the leaders of this state," said Dr. Manon Gurley, Tabernacle Church, Laurel.

"May citizens of all races and creeds forge a common bond in true harmony to banish hatred and bigotry," said Rabbi Batya Steinlauf, Jewish Community Relations Council.

"We ask from god that he inspires us with the strength to overcome all feelings of prejudice and intolerance that blind us," said Imam Yasar Colak, Diyanet Center of America, Lanham.

"We ask all of these things of our all powerful god in whose name we pray, amen," said Monsignor Adam Parker, Archdiocese of Baltimore.

The National Day of Prayer is for giving thanks for all of America's freedoms and for praying to make things better.

Thursday was the 65th anniversary of the National Day of Prayer.