Prayer can be a powerful thing, and that was on display Thursday during a prayer walk in downtown Clanton in observance of the 64th annual National Day of Prayer.

The Rev. Cody Johnson is an ordained minister at Pinedale Assembly of God in Clanton and helped orchestrate the walk that led participants around the courthouse and Clanton City Hall.

According to Johnson, it has been multiple years since the community has made a concerted effort in commemoration of National Day of Prayer.

“We’re trying to get back to what we feel is what the country was founded on,” Johnson said. “It seems like the nation has lost its way.”

The walk was divided into two groups with about 50 people that took part.

Prayers were said before, after and during the walk asking for God’s help in guiding influential entities such as families, military, government, churches, education, media/entertainment and business.

“If people are not praying, then they are in trouble,” event participant Jim Whisnant said. “If you don’t talk to God, you don’t know God.”

The National Day of Prayer is held annually on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation.

“The nation is going down a dangerous path, and we need to remember our Christian values,” event participant Judy Perkins said.

According to the National Day of Prayer Task Force website, it was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.

“Everybody that believes in God needs to show force in what we believe,” Whisnant said. “We need to lead wherever we are by our example.”

Clanton Mayor Billy Joe Driver and Chilton County Commission candidate Jimmie Hardee showed support by attending the walk.

According to Johnson, the idea for the walk began coming together last month and quickly began to take shape.

“It was a great turnout,” Johnson said. “Hopefully, we will be a little more prepared for next time after a year’s worth of planning.”