Photos by Joseph A. Garcia / Star staff James Rene of the Joni & Friends International Disability Center, joins other staff members in Agoura Hills to pray for the safety of law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency response team members.

It may have been early in the morning Thursday, but that didn't stop worshippers at Grace Brethren Church in Simi Valley from thinking about the coming U.S. presidential election and the state of the nation's economy.

About 100 worshippers joined in the prayer for government led by Simi Valley Pastor Glen Jackson at the 6 a.m. service. It was one of many services throughout Ventura County as part of the 57th National Day of Prayer.

A National Day of Prayer dates back to the Continental Congress, which issued a proclamation setting aside a day for prayer in 1775. In 1952, Congress established the annual day of prayer, and in 1988 the law was amended to set the observation for the first Thursday in May.

Jackson, pastor of Simi Valley's Faith Christian Church, told worshippers they shouldn't necessarily judge presidential candidates based on their religious background or affiliation.

"There is no candidate running who has the answers for the problems in the United States," Jackson said. "If you don't care for a particular candidate, love and pray for them."

Jackson's prayer was followed by prayers for those around the world and for those injured and hurting. The prayers were led by Simi Valley Pastors Dan Barons, Francis Chan, Ron Hyercheck, Steve Pope and Rod Ritchie.

In Thousand Oaks, bright skies and a mild breeze greeted a group in Mary and Richard Carpenter Park, in front of the Civic Arts Plaza, for the event organized by the Conejo Valley Pastors' Prayer Fellowship.

Several streets away, Ascension Lutheran Church organized its own prayer observances — the first in recent memory. At an 11:30 a.m. service, Ascension Lutheran School's Chapel Choir performed.

In Agoura Hills at the Joni & Friends International Disability Center, founder Joni Eareckson Tada sat in front of the reflecting water pool, leading a 45-minute prayer service for 50 staff members, and about 45 listeners on phone hook-ups in 16 affiliate offices throughout the United States.

Tada developed the worldwide Christian-based ministry after breaking her neck at 17 in a diving accident, about four decades ago.

With an American flag as a backdrop, Tada, who is in a wheelchair, called attention to listeners' ability to "stand under this flag, the flag of America where we have religious freedom." She asked for the safety of the presidential candidates and the nation's leaders, in justice courts and otherwise, asking that they be given "wisdom and insight and guard against corruption, paybacks and greed."

Also in the east county, the Southeast Ventura County YMCA's annual event was held at the Hyatt, Westlake Plaza. With 463 people, the room was at capacity to hear "Life Without Limbs" motivational speaker Nick Vujicic.

Back in Simi Valley, Jackson said congregations in Simi Valley have observed the National Day of Prayer for about 10 years in various locations in the city. He said as many as 400 people have attended past services.

"We have a problem scheduling this because many people have to go to work, so we make it very early. Congress should consider making it a daylong holiday," Jackson said.

Ama Cruz, who usually attends church services in the San Fernando Valley, came to the event to see her son Nathan Cruz, 11, who helped with the posting of colors with the rest of Simi Valley's Boy Scout Troop 626.

Simi Valley resident Zinia Lewis attended the service with her 11-year-old daughter, Emma.

"There's a lot of change and challenges going on in our country, especially with our elections and the current state of the economy. We need to pray for our nation," Lewis said.

Olivia Gandham, also of Simi Valley, said this was her first time at a National Day of Prayer service. She said her 9-year-old son, Steven, encouraged her to attend.

"Everyone comes together today and prays for each other and as a nation. It's a good thing to pray today," Steven Gandham said.

— Star staff writer Kitty Dill contributed to this report.