National Day of Prayer is Honored in Clayton

A dozen people gathered Thursday in Clayton to pray about institutions such as government, church, military and family.

They met across from the downtown in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer. While most stayed for a portion of the prayer gathering held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., some stayed for an hour or more.

Pastor Rick Jones of Faith Community Church in St. Ann was among those who participated by leading a prayer.

"More of you, Lord, less of us, this is our prayer," Jones said.

David Fondren, a Clayton attorney, started organizing a yearly event for the city in 2007 in conjunction with the group Gateway National Day of Prayer. He began participating in the yearly prayer gathering about eight or nine years ago after a friend recruited him to help organize a similar event in Webster Groves.

Participants this year also prayed for victims of tornadoes and flooding, Fondren said.

"It's never identical," said Fondren, who attends . While many of the prayer gatherings in other cities happen outside of City Hall, he decided to hold the event on the plaza that adjoins the courts building because the area gets more foot traffic. He said he may make a sign in the future that invites people to stop by for a few minutes to participate.

A total of 19 people participated in 2010, and 18 participated in 2009.

Offering a public prayer isn't required for participation.

"Everybody prays as they're led," Fondren said.