PHOTOS BY CATHY HIGGINS

At noon Thursday a large crowd gathered in front of the Government Center in downtown Albany for the city’s 17th annual observation of the National Day of Prayer. The hour-long event featured Rev. Garrett Andrew of First Presbyterian Church touching on the theme of the event, “Prayer for such a time as this,” as well as representatives of various Albany churches leading topical prayers. Above: First Baptist Church of Albany Pianist and Organist Cameron Cody leads the crowd in singing “God Bless America.” Below: One of numerous groups of five participants comes together to pray.