Some lifted their hands, others nodded their heads. Many sat still, reflecting on their faith and one of the most somber days in the nation's history.
The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, are entrenched in the memories of Americans old enough to remember that fateful day.
And those who gathered for "Cry Out America" on Sunday afternoon in Chattanooga remembered the sight of the World Trade Center's crumbling twin towers as a wake-up call to the nation.
On the front lawn of the Hamilton County Courthouse, a group of about 50 people representing churches across the city sang songs of worship and patriotism and prayed for the nation to be awakened once again.
They asked God to reach across denominational, racial and cultural lines to do it.
"Though we face challenges as a nation, we can be thankful and proud to be citizens of the United States of America," event organizer Genendal Fratantuono said. "Ours is a great nation, worthy of the continued investment of our time and energy through prayer.
"We have gathered today for that very reason."
The Cry Out for America gathering is an annual event on Sept. 11 and a ministry of the Cleveland, Tenn., based Awakening America Alliance.
Fratantuono said there were similar gatherings in all 50 states Sunday.
More than a dozen churches were represented at the Chattanooga event. Among other participants was a group of men who read historic quotes from iconic Americans like George Washington and Ronald Reagan.
The U.S. Naval Honor Guard presented the American flag, and local Eagle Scout Daniel Sawyer led the Pledge of Allegiance.
That was followed by a stirring rendition of the national anthem by Grace Chapel's Michael May.
While there was a palpable sense of patriotism on display, Clay Padgett of Redemption Pointe Church also led the gathering in a prayer of repentance for some of the nation's more controversial history.
He prayed for repentance for the nation's mistreatment of minority groups and for its "devaluing" of human life by condoning abortion.
"We offer you our tears of sorrow and remorse on behalf of the sins of our nation," he said.
Roger Helle, executive director of Teen Challenge, reminded the crowd that terror struck the Chattanooga community last year with the fatal shooting of five servicemen by a locally raised Muslim who the FBI later said had been radicalized.
"July 16, a year ago, was a wake-up call for Chattanooga," he said. "We had terrorism come to our very front door, and since that time the people of this community have come together again to pray. Just a couple of months ago, 50 churches and ministries came together in solemn assembly.
"Now, here we are again on the anniversary of September 11."
Contact staff writer David Cobb at dcobb@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6249.