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SALT LAKE CITY -- Thousands of prayer events across the country took place Thursday marking the 59th annual National Day of Prayer.
Utahns gathered at the Calvary Chapel in observance of the day. Gov. Gary Herbert spoke to religious and state leaders at a Thursday morning breakfast.
Reverend Dr. France Davis was the featured speaker. He urged the congregation to develop with God in order to make a difference in their communities.
Last month, U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb declared the day unconstitutional. Crabb ruled the law violates the ban of government-backed religion.
The Justice Department is appealing the case on behalf of the White House.
President Obama issued a proclamation less than three weeks after the ruling, calling upon "the citizens of our nation to pray, or otherwise give thanks."
President Harry Truman signed a bill in 1952 establishing National Day of Prayer.
