National Day of Prayer 2016, the largest with 47,000 hosts in the United States

This year's National Day of Prayer was the largest in history, with around 47,000 host sites all over the United States.

Now on its 65th year, the 2016 National Day of Prayer, which was held on the first Thursday of May, were focused on the country's well-being. It is an act approved by the U.S. Congress that has been observed for more than six decades, with the first ever event held in 1952.

For several years, the event was shrouded with controversy as some people argue that the gathering is unconstitutional. However, last year, an annual proclamation was issued by President Barack Obama. Part of the proclamation read, "In the face of tremendous challenges, prayer is a powerful force for peace, justice, and a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow... When we pray, we are reminded that we are not alone – our hope is a common hope, our pain is shared, and we are all children of God."

Chief communications officer for the National Day of Prayer Task Force, Dion Elmore, told The Christian Post that this year's theme is "Wake Up America."

The theme is a call "for every citizen to wake up to the reality of the challenges that our nation faces and to call upon the unfailing character of God, who is sovereign over all governments, authorities, and men," Elmore clarified.

Last year, several faith leaders called America to repentance on that said day. Dr. Ben Carson was one of the leaders present in the National Day of Prayer. A presidential candidate, Senator Ted Cruz, was in attendance as part of the prayer but not as a speaker.

Several other government officials were there to lead the prayer. These were Alabama's Rep. Robert Aderholt, U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black, Judge Robert Rigsby, and East Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert.