Dozens of Clark Countians gathered Saturday to join together in prayer at the Cathedral Church of God.

Community members prayed for elected officials, schools, first responders and more at the 13th annual Community Prayer Service.

Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner said the service is a way to start the year off on the right foot.

“In my judgment, it’s an important thing to pause and bow and go to the foot of the cross,” Burtner said.

Burtner and former Clark County Judge-Executive Henry Branham started the tradition in 2006.

The service is held at a different church every year. Several community organizations participate in the ceremony every year, and dozens of people of all ages, ranging from children to some in their 80s attend.

During the hourlong service, featured prayer leaders led attendees in prayer for different groups.

Following the prayer leaders, Burtner took prayer requests from those in attendance and gave a closing. David Douglas gave the benediction.

Burtner said it’s not only important to pray but to believe in the power of prayer.

“We thank you for this opportunity to publicly come to a place as the first order of business for the new year,” Burtner prayed. “We pray that you would allow us to be heard and that all of our requests would be received in a proper way.”