Supporters of National Clergy Council, an advocacy group comprised of a network of Christian leaders, gathered for two prayer vigils before the Aug. 31 kick-off date of the Republican National Convention, drawing around 60 attendees to each event.

Participants met at the former site of the World Trade Center to hold a Solemn Assembly on Aug. 29 and prayed for victims killed in the Sept. 11 incident, the two presidential candidates, and the nation’s military and police forces.

On Aug. 27, supporters took part in a candlelight procession leading to the gate of the Madison Square Garden, the site of the Convention. President of Faith and Action Rev. Rob Schenck and NCC Executive Member Rev. David Hernquist anointed the pillars of the gate with oil in the sign of the cross after praying for God’s protection and guidance during the Republican National Convention.

The group also held a similar gathering in Boston to pray for the Democratic National Convention.

“We certainly hope and pray that all of the parties and leadership will be centered on biblical priorities,” Schenck told Christian Post, noting that the events are intended to be non-partisan.

He said the group prayed that leaders from both parties would respect the sanctity of human life by recognizing God as the source of life, the sanctity of marriage as between one man and one woman, and acknowledge God and His sovereignty to encourage moral accountability.