As most people began leaving the National Day of Prayer rally at McEuen Park’s Veteran Memorial Plaza on Thursday, Lori Daub was dancing. 

She closed her eyes, turned in graceful circles and raised her arms. All the while, she was smiling. 

“I love worship. I totally love worship,” Daub said. “And I love prayer.” 

Her faith, she said, gives her hope for the days ahead. 

“It's God who is going to save our nation and is going to bring the goodness back into this land where we are not divided," Daub said.

Daub was one of about 600 people who attended the one-hour gathering put on by the Kootenai County Ministerial Association to mark the 74th annual National Day of Prayer on a sunny and warm afternoon. 

Pastors from different churches took turns reciting scripture and praying for elected leaders, educators, law officers, youth and President Donald Trump. They prayed for the salvation of souls, restoration of biblical foundations and an outpouring of God’s grace. 

Young and old were there, standing and sitting, some singing along with music and others holding hands high and looking upward. 

Many wore shirts with sayings like, “Jesus Saves,” “Fight the Good Right” and “Love All.” 

Pastor Tim Remington looked at the crowd and while pleased with the record turnout, said he would have loved to see even more. 

“We want to let them know that even up on top of that new building, Jesus is the one that rocks,” he said. 

Pastor Paul Van Noy said people were gathering across the nation in prayer and God was responding. 

“We are watching lives changed, souls are being saved, churches are filling. I’m so excited about what God is doing,” he said. “And this is only the beginning. We’ve been praying for revival and revival is coming. Revival is upon us. God is doing a great marvelous thing.” 

Sandy Kistler of Twin Lakes said as she listened to musician Randy Stonehill sing at the rally, she was reminded that it was 50 years ago she was saved in Cosa Mesa, Calif. 

“He was one of the Christian songwriters I would listen to as a brand-new Christian,” she said. “I was like tripping out he was here.” 

Kistler, born and raised in the Coeur d’Alene area, lost her dad to a drunken driver when she was young. 

“God became my father,” she said. 

Friends Darlene Fox and Jo Wilkinson lingered after the rally ended. 

“We need more prayer. Everybody needs more prayer,” Fox said. “I feel like there’s not enough prayer that goes on, and God is so good and faithful to answer our prayers.” 

Wikinson said it’s important to share her faith. 

“Time is short and the Lord wants no one to perish,” she said. 

    A man prays during the National Day of Prayer in Coeur d'Alene.
  

    Sandy Kistler looks upward during the National Day of Prayer on Thursday.
  

    Lori Daub raises her hands in prayer during the National Day of Prayer in Coeur d'Alene.
  

    Pastor Paul Van Noy smiles as he chats with a fellow pastor during the National Day of Prayer in Coeur d'Alene on Thursday.