by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS Staff Writer Although the event was completely ignored by the media, more than 60,000 people showed up in Times Square on Saturday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. to pray for the city and the nation. Known as Prayer in the Square, the event has been organized for the past three years by Carter Conlon, pastor of Times Square Church. The hour-long service brought together 264 churches from the surrounding area, representing multiple denominations. In addition, 87 churches from around the world, including some in the UK, Singapore and Israel, took part via live webcast. During the service, ten individuals were chosen to pray for three minutes apiece, and these prayers were interspersed with songs from a 180-member gospel choir. Organizers say they expected about 15,000 people to attend this year and were surprised to see almost five times that number show up. Included among the faithful was New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who addressed the crowd. "It's a little strange for me to be up here," he said. "I'm a Jew. But I just celebrated Rosh Hoshana, our new year. So I guess it's appropriate for me to wish you all a happy new year." Despite the crowds and the Mayor’s appearance, the event was completely ignored by the media. It was simulcast on the News Astrovision screen at One Times Square and was carried on several radio stations but otherwise received no coverage.  "The Lord called us to host, fund and organize this event for the last three years," Carter Conlon said before the event. "He told us that the first year would establish credibility with the city, and we have received positive feedback from various city agencies, including the office of the Mayor himself, commending us for honesty, order, and keeping our word. “The second year confirmed to local churches that this was not the beginning of some new ministry but rather a gathering for the sole purpose of one hour of prayer, in humility, with all denominations represented and no personalities or ministry showcased. Those who have attended can attest to the fact that this has been so. “Everything has unfolded exactly as the Lord impressed upon our hearts it would." © All Rights Reserved, Living His Life Abundantly®/Women of Grace®  http://www.womenofgrace.com