A few toppled chairs and a bit of wind-whipped sand did not dampen the spirits of dozens of residents, clergy and officials who gathered at Sunset Lake Thursday evening for Braintree's annual interfaith prayer service.

Mayor Joseph Sullivan turned the crowd's attention first to the victims of several tornadoes that wrought havoc in western and central Massachusetts earlier this week.

"Let us tonight offer our prayers for them," Sullivan said.

He went on to quote John Adams, who originated the United States' National Day of Prayer with a proclamation in 1798, and then turned back to Braintree.

"Prayer is a powerful and important exercise," Sullivan said. "As mayor, I pray regularly to be a better person... We gather here today, in the words of Adams, for the happiness and prosperity of our community."

For a little more than an hour in front of the gazebo by the lake, Rev. Scott D. Killian of South Congregational Church introduced a diversity of musicians, Braintree Scout Troops 22 and 138, and several spiritual leaders, who offered prayers on topics ranging from government and the military to education and family.

"We live in a world in which we have much to be thankful for, in a world of joy and happiness, of beauty," Killian said. "But we also live in a world of fear and uncertainty... So we do what we must. We come together in prayer."

Rev. Steve Wilson of All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church spoke of government, praying that it satisfies its covenant with the people it represents. "May our government be good," he said. "May it first and foremost be good."

Words were also offered for the military by Rev. Robert Killeffer of First Baptist Church, for business by Rev. Dr. Young Bok Rha of Heritage United Methodist and for family by Fr. Kevin Sepe of St. Francis of Assisi.

The news and entertainment media, Fr. Gregory Vozzo of St. Francis said, requires extra focus on moderation and prayer for it to retain its "integrity, eloquence and beauty."

"Through the news media, deepen our concern for one another and our world," Vozzo said. "Inspire us to do good and lead us away from what is not good."

Superintendent Dr. Peter Kurzberg, speaking for Rabbi Firestein of Temple B'Nai Shalom, offered a prayer for education. "In this time of confusion and turmoil throughout the world, we especially seek your guidance, O Lord," he said. "We owe [children] our guidance and lessons in the hope that their lives will be safe, productive and peaceful."

A prayer for worship and faith was given by Rev. Leanne Walt of First Congregational Church, who spoke of bearing witness to each others' "failures and glory," "needs and joys," and "doubt and faithfulness," and prayed for such continued attention from above.

"You are the one who creates us anew each moment of every day," Walt said.

As the sun began to set behind a few scattered clouds and the wind rushed in over the lake, Rev. Estelle Margarones recited a benedition and Paul Agnew and fellow musicians sung a booming rendition of "God Bless America."

"Prayer warms the soul, right?" Walt said earlier. "From the inside out tonight."