It looked like a typical group of high schoolers hanging around before school. As more arrived, wearing backpacks and carrying breakfast, they greeted each other and then returned to their phones or conversations.
But when Fellowship of Christian Athletes President Chandler Ekholm walked up to the Jefferson City High School flagpole and said, "let's get started," they immediately moved together, grasping hands and forming a circle.
The National Day of Prayer happens the first Thursday in May each year. Many of these teenagers, like Tekoah Sage, have been participating since middle school.
"We share a common belief in Christ that we can all relate to," Ekholm said.
Most of the two dozen students and a few youth pastors took turns praying aloud for wise leaders, renewed hope, the armed forces and those in poverty. They also expressed thankfulness for the freedom to gather and for young people being willing to share their faith.
"You go out feeling motivated to do the right thing," Sage said. "It's always good to start the day off with a smile."
In Jefferson City, Second Baptist Church also held a 12-hour prayer vigil open to the public. And surrounding communities, including California and Camdenton, held noon prayer meetings at their county courthouses.
Sage said he thinks it is "cool" that hundreds of groups also joined together on the same day for the same purpose.
"Why would you not want to pray for your nation?" Sage said. "I believe praying to God does a tremendous amount."