Presbyterian Church of Old Greenwich

The first Thursday in May is the National Day of Prayer and residents from various places of worship across the community said prayers for the government, military, business, education, media, church, family and nation.

Beth Crimmins, 40, a Cos Cob resident and member of the Presbyterian Church of Old Greenwich, attended the event because prayer is very important to her and a powerful force in her life.

"I love the idea of praying for schools and country and family," said Crimmins.

As each prayer was read by a local pastor, those assembled bowed their heads in silence. The last prayer - a prayer for the nation - was said in unison.

The National Day of Prayer is an opportunity for people to come together and pray, said the Rev. William Gestal of the Presbyterian Church of Old Greenwich.

"I think it's important because I think prayer works," he said, "When we call on God, good things happen."

This is the first year Nancy Henkes, of the Presbyterian Church of Old Greenwich, organized the event and the second year it has been held at Town Hall.

The residents of Greenwich have always observed the day, according to Gestal, but it has only been organized into an event for the past few years.

Events are held across the nation, inviting people of all faiths to come together and pray. It was first held in 1952 after Congress passed a resolution for it and President Harry S. Truman signed it into law.