Residents raise their hands in praise as Reneé Kavanagh of West Mansfield sings during a Thursday afternoon prayer and fasting session organized by nine community members. The purpose of the event was to ask for God’s guidance as the nation struggles through economic hardship and other difficulties at this point in history. To that end, pastors from various local churches were urged to offer prayers to bless our elected leaders, military personnel, educators and the voters who will decide the outcome of the upcoming election. (EXAMINER PHOTO | REUBEN MEES)