DAY OF PRAYER OBSERVED IN CITY

About 50 people gathered in prayer on the steps of Cape Girardeau City Hall Thursday in one of many gatherings to mark the National Day of Prayer

National Day of Prayer has been celebrated by hundreds of thousands of people since it was established in 1952 by the U.S. Congress.

Members of Cape Girardeau's civic and religious institutions led the gathering in prayers for everything from President Bill Clinton to their own personal morality.

The Rev. Phil Curran of First Christian Church Disciples of Christ asked God to give the national leaders "open minds so they can work together." City Councilman Melvin Gately led the prayer for Missouri's governmental leaders.

The Rev. Bill Burke of First Church of the Nazarene thanked God for the city's leaders who "have committed themselves to leading our city into the future." He said he is grateful for those leaders who shoulder the burden of upsetting those who don't agree with their decisions.

The Rev. William Bird of Church of God in Christ Futrell Temple prayed for patience and acceptance for those who head the local businesses, medical facilities and schools.

"If we could all just learn to accept, forgive and strive to be all we can be, our world would be a better place," Bird said.

Before Bird took the podium he said he hadn't prepared a speech and was just going to let the inspiration come to him. He said this was his first participation in the National Day of Prayer, but it might be something he would incorporate into his church's regular routine.

Harold Kuehle, Cape Girardeau County collector, prayed on behalf of law enforcement officers and firefighters. He asked God to protect them and give them peace of mind.

"We pray that you would give each one of them -- family members, law enforcement and firemen -- a special joy in their life," Kuehle said.

After his presentation, Kuehle said the community should offer a prayer every day for police officers, firefighters and their families. He said the world is becoming a hostile place for people in authority, and he was asking God to keep Cape Girardeau safe from some of the social unrest that has plagued other areas.

Kuehle said the National Day of Prayer should be a catalyst for daily prayer and community support.

Eric Cunningham, Cape Girardeau city attorney, prayed for those in the media and asked God for wisdom for those in newspapers, radio and television.

Others speaking at the event were the Rev. Robert Wright, Vineyard Christian Fellowship; Dr. Bill Terry, Christian Businessmen; Wally Allstun, Regional Employee Assistance Program; the Rev. Paula Austin, Centenary Methodist; and the Rev. Stephanie Curran, First Christian Church Disciples of Christ. A choir from Mid-America Teen Challenge opened and closed the ceremony.

David Lah of Cape Girardeau attended the prayer service and said the National Day of Prayer was a way for people to focus on what was important in life. He said he hopes the community continues to participate and hold events like it annually.