Crestline Elementary School students observed the National Day of Prayer with a brief prayer service at the school's flagpole this morning. | Clif Knight

A group of about 100 Crestline Elementary School students, faculty members and parents gathered around the school’s flagpole at 7:15 Thursday morning to take part in the National Day of Prayer observance.

Students Emma Bennich, Mary Elizabeth Adams and Abigail Richburg led the group in a recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, followed by abort pause for silent prayer.

Becky Wallace concluded the observance by reading a prayer, which was written by Joni Eareckson Tada, honorary chairman of the National Day of Prayer Observance. The  Prayer follows:

“Almighty God, you are our mighty fortress, our refuge and the God in whom we place our trust. As our nation faces great distress and uncertainty, we ask your Holy Spirit to fall afresh upon your people—convict us of sin and inflame within us a passion to pray for our land and its people. Grant the leaders of our country an awareness of their desperate need of wisdom and salvation in you until sin becomes a reproach to all and righteousness exalts this nation.

“Protect and defend us against our enemies ad may the cause of Christ always prevail in our schools, courts, homes and churches. Lord God, send a spirit of revival and may it begin in our won hearts.

“Remember America, we pray. Remember the foundations on which this country was built. Remember the prayers of our nation’s fathers and mothers, and do not forget us in our time of need.

“In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.”

Principal Robin Varwig said permission was granted for the student-led, voluntary prayer observance after she received a written request from a group of students.