National Day of Prayer Observed at Oklahoma State Capitol

By Alex Cameron, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- It's an American tradition that dates back to 1775, when the Continental Congress declared the first National Day of Prayer.

The tradition is still going strong 234 years later, although there is some concern over the way the new president chose to recognize the day.

President Obama signed a proclamation, but in a private ceremony. Unlike his predecessor who made the National Day of Prayer a very public event, President Obama opted for a more low-key approach, to the disappointment of many in Oklahoma.

With Oklahoma's leader leading a very public prayer service in the Capitol rotunda, many in the crowd expressed concern that the nation's leader didn't do the same.

"Yeah, that's discouraging to me," Ann Selby with the Lakeside Assembly of God said. "Yes, I was real sorry to hear that he felt that way."

The rotunda service was one of dozens of National Day of Prayer efforts scheduled across the state Thursday, the theme this year being "prayer...America's hope."

The state chairman believes the president should join citizens in the public square.

"We wish that he would be more supportive, but he has reasons and things, so we continue to pray for him," Oklahoma Prayer Day Chairman Col. Lloyd Smith said.

Others tried not to criticize.

"He's probably trying to be sensitive to all people, but we are one nation, under God, and as presidents in the past, my hope would be that he would acknowledge that, and he is, just not publically," Mike Jestes with the Oklahoma Family Policy Council said.

Governor Brad Henry didn't mention the president's decision, but did offer up a prayer.

Many at the Capitol, even those critical of President Obama, said they were praying for him and all government leaders in dealing with all the challenges facing the nation right now.

In addition to several solemn observances tied to the National Day of Prayer, the Senate paid tribute to internally-renowned evangelist and Ada, Oklahoma native Oral Roberts. The 91-year-old Roberts now lives in California and came back just for this ceremony. He thanked legislators for the honor, spoke of his continuing love for Oklahoma, and offered a prayer for the entire chamber.

The multi-denominational Citywide Prayer Service at Tabitha Baptist Church is a National Day of Prayer event that begins at 7 p.m. If you can't make it there, it's being streamed live on the web at Tabitha Baptist Church - Mogulus Live Broadcast.