Celebrations planned across Texas.
Governor Rick Perry says God forgives people for their 'oops moments,' even if the American electorate does not.
The governor kicked off Texas celebrations of prayer a day early, with a speech before a packed hotel ballroom in Austin Wednesday, where he talked candidly about his failed presidential run.
Thursday's events coincide with the National Day of Prayer created by Congress back in 1952. Locally, a prayer is scheduled outside Houston City Hall at noon.
Perry spokesman Josh Havens says the governor urges people of all faiths to come together.
"We hope that people will take the time, to not only pray for those who are with us, but to remember and give thanks to the men and women in our armed forces and the first responders who have really given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country and our communities," says Havens.
Havens says Texans should continue to pray for good weather after last year's devastating drought.
"Unfortunately not the entire state is out of the drought," he says. "And that's definitely one of the things the governor is talking about, remembering all those farmers and ranchers out there who are still suffering."
Houston Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff says with all the war and famine in the world, it never hurts to pray.
"To return to a world of peaceful harmony in all walks of life and all people," says Lazaroff. "Whether that's in between nations, or people themselves find inner peace."
This year's theme is "One nation, under God," and Dave Welch with the Houston Area Pastor Council says that's fitting given this year's presidential election.
"Certainly I think we would want to pray that we do become one nation," says Welch. "We are very divided in many ways right now, there's a lot of healing that needs to take place."
"We're going to be praying for everything from family, to our military, to our governing leaders," he says.
Governor Perry also urges prayer for President Obama, hoping he "truly understands God’s will to protect innocent life." This as Texas and the administration wrangle over a new state law which cuts funding for abortion affiliates.
