Auburn joined America in observing the 58th annual National Day of Prayer on May 7.

Eleven Auburn pastors took turns leading the public prayer in the Auburn City Hall Chambers.

This year’s theme was “Prayer, America’s Hope”.

Prayers were offered for the city of Auburn, the country and its leaders in the five centers of power: government, church, education, family and the media.”

Pastor Jay Coon of Auburn Adventist Academy, lead a prayer for the safety and welfare of police and firefighters.

“Lord, protect them,” said Coon, who serves as a chaplain for the Auburn Police Department, local firefighters and the military. “Protect those who patrol our streets … those who are in harm’s way.

“They are appreciated in our community.”

The program was coordinated by Marjorie Gordon, author of “Jumpstart to Power Prayers”.

“We are living in challenging times. Our great nation has come to a place where we no longer have the luxury of believing we are invulnerable,” Gordon said. “National Day of Prayer is a powerful reminder of our need to unite before God, regardless of cultural and denominational differences.”