Photo Gallery: Let Us Pray

Despite a federal judge's ruling last month that the National Day of Prayer is a violation of the First Ammendment, special observations were held across the nation Thursday.

Redondo Beach invited residents to the Civic Center to pray together for peace, nation, our soldiers, youth and the city.

Mayor Mike Gin said that the event is not to promote religions, but to unite the people of the city together. 

"There is a spiritual side to all of us," the mayor said. "Together, we can take a moment and be thankful for great things that surround us."

In 1952, a joint resolution by the Congress, signed by President Harry Truman declared an annual, national day of prayer. The law was amended and signed by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 so that the National Day of Prayer would be held on the first Thursday of May.

Participating religious leaders included: Pastor Chris Cannon, King's Harbor Church; Rev. Msgr. Paul Dotson, St. Lawrence Martyr Church; Rev. Moira Foxe, Center for Spiritual Living; Rabbi David Lisbon, The Jewish Community Center Chabad; Martin Smith, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church; Pastor Mondo Luna, Praise Chapel Redondo Beach; Pastor Kurt Dahlin, Breakwater Church and Pastor Dan Bradford, King's Harbor Church. 

The musical performance was provided by Joey Vroom.

(Editor's note: Pastor Dan Bradford's prayer for Redondo Beach can be heard by clicking the "videos.")