Heads bowed. Hands clasped.

People around York County participated in the National Day of Prayer last Thursday. It was approved by the U.S. Congress in 1952 and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.

Strangers and friends offered up their prayers for our leaders across the country and at home. They sang songs, held hands and prayed for the end of the war in Iraq, for our youth and for an improved economy.

In Fort Mill, the faithful gathered outside Town Hall. Approximately 20 people showed up for the 20-minute event.

"Basically I'm praying for our country, especially our leaders and troops," Greg Rogers said. "It''s always appropriate to pray for our missionaries and persecuted Christians in other countries."

"I always pray for my children and family too," he added.

"I'm not just praying for Christians, I'm praying for everyone, every day, for strength," Michelle Bierman said. "Everybody needs to know somebody cares about them."

Fort Mill Councilman Tom Adams was among the crowd.

"I put a lot of faith in prayer, and what God asks of us," he said. "I'm encouraged to see so many people here."

Some prayed for reasons that has to do with business.

"I found out yesterday afternoon that I'm under attack by another salon," said Lauren Keatts, who works in a local spa . "I came out to ask for help. I'm praying for those who feel like they have to attack me and for me to represent myself well under attack."

"What's on my mind?" Phil Darling asked. "Society," said. "That schools teach kids there is no God, they are evolved from a bunch of slime. I pray there would be a change in the school system so people recognize their self worth and not do all sorts of foolish things. Kids want to blow up schools, that's the main thing, when you teach evolution you deny Jesus."

Darling had more. "I also pray for peace," he said.

• Herald reporter Jessica Schonberg contributed to this story.