FARMINGTON – People stood quietly around the filled gazebo in Meetinghouse Park Thursday as they gathered at noon for the 57th annual National Day of Prayer. An observance was also held at noon in Bass Park in Wilton.

The theme – Prayer! America’s Strength and Shield – was based on Psalm 28:7, “the Lord is my strength and shield, my heart trusts in him and I am helped.”

“Prayer says I can’t do this by myself,” said Pastor Tom Dubois of Western Mountain Baptist Church, who gave a message on the theme. Dubois went on to encourage people to be devoted to prayer. Devotion shapes how they live their life, he said.

“May this national day of prayer spark a revival in your relationship with God as you become devoted to prayer with an attitude of thanksgiving,” he said.

State Sen. Walter Gooley read a presidential proclamation about the day and Clyde Penney led the group in the pledge of allegiance. A musical duo, Greater Purpose, performed before prayers were led by several people.

The annual event encourages Americans to pray for the nation, its people and leaders. It was established by act of Congress in 1952.