Unity in prayer was expressed across Mid-Missouri and the nation Thursday during the 63rd annual National Day of Prayer.
Students gathered before the classes at their school flag pole to pray.
At the same time, more than 60 elected officials, clergy and community members joined in prayer at the 10th annual Mayor and County Presiding Commissioner Prayer Breakfast.
"We are the better because we dared to come together in corporate prayer," said the Rev. Cornell Sudduth, pastor at Second Baptist Church in Jefferson City.
Leading the breakfast attendees in prayer for the government, Sudduth prayed that Jesus Christ would be the shoulders on which government leaders would stand.
Other faith leaders led prayers for the military, families and community, media and culture, and the body of Christ.
Marc Ellinger, Cole County Presiding Commissioner, was the featured speaker at his eighth and last breakfast as co-host.
Quoting from Ben Franklin, Pres. George Washington and Mother Theresa, Ellinger reinforced the value of working together and the benefit of prayer.
Many of those who attended the breakfast have been coming for several years.
This was the first time for Evelyn Speidel and her husband Royal, a retired United Methodist Church pastor.
"We enjoy prayer; it's part of our life every day," Speidel said. "Part of what we do is prayer for our nation and neighbors."
She said she was impressed to see different aspects of the community represented.
"It's good to know they come together and pray together," Speidel said.
Other formal programs were held in California, Camdenton, at the Capitol, Fulton, Osage Beach and Russellville.
The 2014 theme is "One Voice, United in Prayer" and the inspirational scripture is Romans 15:6 "So that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."