PRAYER — The Rev. Nate Freeman of First Christian Church kicked off the National Day of Prayer observance in Steubenville with an invitation to prayer. -- Linda Harris

STEUBENVILLE — Nearly 60 area residents stood quietly in Historic Fort Steuben Park Thursday, sharing their faith as they prayed for their community during Steubenville’s Day of Prayer observance.

“We gather today in prayer together and we know that it’s not just the 100 or so people or whatever is here, but we’re gathered with people across our nation,” the Rev. Jonanan St. Andre, vice president of Franciscan Life at Franciscan University of Steubenville, exhorted the crowd. “So let us pray together.”

Commissioner Tony Morelli shared the proclamation they’d issued hours earlier “urging all citizens of this county to recognize the importance of this day,” while Mayor Jerry Barilla talked about the power of prayer to heal the divisions dividing America, saying prayer “is the most powerful thing we have on this earth.”

Wintersville Community Chapel’s James Justin Scarpone, offered prayers for business, while Kimberly Hahn, St. Paul Center and former councilwoman at large, led the group in prayer for government; Finley Church’s June Leasure for churches; Ray Saccoccia, Holy Family Church, media; Beth Rupert-Warren, Jefferson County Resource Center, education; Pam Bauman, Sycamore Youth Center, family; Jefferson County Recorder Scott Renforth for the military and first responders. Rupert-Warren also performed the National Anthem.

“Prayers do help,” Steubenville City Manager Jim Mavromatis said, telling those in attendance that in the aftermath of the high winds earlier this week that toppled trees through the city and caused other problems, “the most important part was neighbors.”

PRAYER — Nearly 60 area residents took part in Steubenville’s National Day of Prayer observance in Historic Fort Steuben Park. -- Linda Harris

“They all came out together, not just to look, but to offer what they could to help,” he said. “That’s what makes a community. We have a great city here in Steubenville, we have a great county and great (communities) surrounding us, but it’s everybody working together…to make your life better.”

The service was organized by the Rev. Nate Freeman, First Christian Church, while Pastor Greg Kasler, Finley Church, offered the closing prayer.