Community leaders in health care, politics, media, nonprofits and the military offered prayers for hope and guidance today at City Market to honor the annual National Day of Prayer.

About 100 people gathered for the event, hosted by the Indianapolis City-County Council Prayer Caucus. While events for the day are celebrated every first Thursday of May in courthouses, statehouses and the White House, Thursday was the first time the city of Indianapolis hosted an event.

The Caucus decided to host the event to build connections within the community.“People standing side-by-side are praying for your city,” said Indianapolis City-County Councilor Jeff Cardwell. “It brings people together. It lifts the city up, lifts the people up. It’s an opportunity to put all differences aside and pray for the well-being of our city.”Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Chief Michael Spears offered a payer for public safety officers; Brigadier General Bryan Hult prayed for fellow officers at the Indiana National Guard; and City-County Council member Paul Bateman prayed for politicians and elected officials.There also were prayers offered by benevolence director Sheri El of Traders Point Christian Church for the poor; executive director Rick Alvis of the Wheeler Mission for the people who serve the poor and social service agencies; a family prayer from president Curt Smith of the Indiana Family Institute; and a prayer for journalists and the media from general manager Ray Hashley of WGNR Radio.Many of the prayers echoed worries about the economy, the need for strong families and the war in Iraq. And while some of the prayers pleaded for hope and direction, Tammy Cochran of Fishers said the event provided a sense of solidarity and peace.“People are in a lot of crises right now, with the economy and flooding this year,” said Cochran. “It gives the opportunity for people to invest and connect in something outside of themselves, and to bring peace to their thinking process and their actions.”