Lawrence City Commission chambers were transformed Thursday into a prayer sanctuary.

Members of the Lawrence Association of Evangelicals — a coalition of several local churches — conducted a prayer vigil throughout the day as part of the National Day of Prayer.

“We’re praying that God’s will will be done,” said Neil Brown, a prayer leader from Victory Bible Church.

City officials said this was at least the third year commission chambers had been used for the vigil. Assistant City Manager Dave Corliss said religious groups were treated like any other organization that wanted to use city facilities.

“We don’t regulate the room,” Corliss said. “They ask to use the room for a public meeting — if they pray, it’s not appropriate or inappropriate. It’s their decision.”

Groups of a half-dozen people or more rotated through City Hall Thursday, following a schedule that included prayers for the country, law enforcement officers, educators, health care workers and community unity.

One printed prayer used in the vigil said Lawrence was under the influence of “powers of darkness.”

“We mourn as we see how destruction has come through false religions, vain philosophies, idolatry and sinful practices,” the prayer said.

From left, Naomi Carson, John McDermott and Les Beguelin bow their heads in prayer. The four were part of a rotating group of Lawrence residents who gathered Thursday at City Hall to participate in the National Day of Prayer.

Brown said City Hall was used because “an important aspect of our prayer is praying to bless our government. Also, by meeting in a secular place, we’re trying not to favor one church or denomination over another.”

The prayers were distinctly Christian, however.

“Anyone is welcome to pray with us,” Brown said. “But our focus is on God’s will as revealed through the Bible and the Christian faith.”

Thursday’s faithful were confident prayers would bear fruit.

“God is a god who answers prayer,” said Virginia Dumser, a member of Christ Community Evangelical Free Church. “He changes things that should be better.”.

¢ 6News video: Day of Prayer held in City Hall¢ See text of the Prayer for Lawrence, “The City of Freedom”