Dayton attends prayer observance at Minn. Capitol

Gov. Mark Dayton says he is taking to heart the prayers from a National Day of Prayer observance outside the Minnesota Capitol.

The Democratic governor spoke to the gathering before those in attendance prayed over him on Thursday.

Dayton says he will carry the message of keeping the poor, downtrodden and sick in his heart over the coming months. He says he prays every morning and evening.

The prayer observance was one of many across the state and nation on a national day established by Congress in 1952. Organizers urge those who show up to pray for the nation and its leaders, schools and churches.

As the prayer service went on outside, a group called Minnesota Atheists held a secular protest event inside the Capitol called Day of Reason.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)