Thousands Respond to Rick Perry's Call for Prayer, Cry Out for Mercy at Rally

Perry took to the stage shortly before noon, sounding like a revivalist preacher as he urged participants to embrace Jesus and pray for help at a time of economic decline and family strife.

Perry said God's agenda is "not a political agenda, his agenda is a salvation agenda."

"He is a wise God and he is wise enough not to be affliated with any political party or for that matter, he is wise not enough not to be affliated with any man-made institution," Perry said.

The longest-serving Texas governor also offered up a prayer "for our president," the man he would like to get a shot at running against in a likely bid for the White House. The event is being described as non-political, but as Perry nears a decision to run for president, the timing of the prayer rally could pump up evangelical voters, who will play a key role in the early nominating states.

Perry talked about the importance of praying for a help at challenging time in the United States.

"Our heart breaks for America. We see discord at home, we see fear in the market place, we see anger in the halls of governments, and as a nation we have forgotten who made us," Perry said. "We cry out for your forgiveness."

The Response, nicknamed "Prayer-Palooza," took on the feel of a mega-church ceremony from the moment it began. Christian conservative leader Jim Dobson formally kicked it off at about 10 a.m. Before he took the stage, country singer Ricky Skaggs and black gospel singers from the Houston Mass Choir warmed up the crowd with religious songs and prayers. A few dozen protestors outside highlighted the intense controversy the event has generated.

Dobson said some 22,000 were in attendance, almost three times the number that officials say had signed up by mid-week. Kansas City preacher Luis Cataldo, director of The Response, said more worshippers jammed traffic trying to get to the event.

Dobson said the worshipers were gathered to pray for a miraculous exit from the nation's crushing problems.

"We've come to the end of our rope. And we have come here to day to call on the lord for a miracle," Dobson said. "I believe God is going to hear our prayer today.