Knoch High school facility and students outside of Knoch high school pray on National Day of Prayer.

HARMONY — Carol Tomayko was one of about 50 residents Thursday to take part in the National Day of Prayer event at Grace Church of Harmony.

“I come because I believe that prayer matters and can change the course of our country,” Tomayko said.

Pastor Reid Moon led the event, which included prayers for the armed forces, government officials, families, schools and civil servants.

Breakfast was served before the event, when attendees was encouraged to pray aloud or silently for each of the groups.

Moon said the National Day of Prayer is a great way for the community to gather, and he noted members from several churches were in attendance.

“This is an opportunity for everyone to convene and be in one common place,” he said. “We have Catholics, Protestants and independents here, and we all get to come and pray.”

Leading the prayers for members of the armed forces was Pastor John Jefferis of the Harmony-Zelienople United Methodist Church. He also said the community aspect of the National Day of Prayer was important.

“It's just a great day to all be together,” he said.

Pastor Mark Merrill of the Park United Presbyterian Church led prayers for federal, state and local government officials.Representing the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church was Pastor Barbara Love, who led prayers for public, private and home schools.“This is something that's very close to my heart,” Love said of schools.Pastor Mark Grogan of City Reach Zelienople led prayers for civil servants. Grogan in particular mentioned firefighters, police officers and emergency medical services.The National Day of Prayer is observed annually on the first Thursday of May. It was created in 1952 by Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.

Emma Jarvis celebrates National Day of Prayer at HIS Kids Christian School in Jefferson Township. Students made prayer ornaments that were hung on a small tree at the school.