INDIANAPOLIS -- The questionable future of the National Day of Prayer was on the minds of many who gathered downtown on Thursday to mark the occasion.

Last month's ruling by U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb in Madison, Wis., said the 58-year-old day of prayer amounts to a call for religious action, and that prayer is "an inherently religious exercise that serves no secular function."

But lawmakers who led Thursday's ceremony at City Market Plaza said the court's decision doesn't recognize the practice of prayer by the American people, or the longstanding nature of the National Day of Prayer.

"Today America needs prayer, and I'm honored and blessed to stand up for my God that I believe in, and follow everyday of my life," said City-County Councilman Jeff Cardwell.

Those who attended said the country needs the event now more than ever.

"Everything terrible seems to be happening," said south side resident Marjorie Nackenhorst. "We need the Lord Jesus, and go to him and ask him to save you, so you'll go to be in heaven."

But others are backing the court's decision. Reba Boyd Wooden, the executive director for the Center for Inquiry, said she believes government and religion should not mix.

"Would you like to be told that this is the national day when you should pray to Allah? I don't think most people who are Christians would want to do that," she said. "Government should not take sides when it comes to religion. They should be very neutral."

President Barack Obama has said he will appeal the ruling. The injunction against the National Day of Prayer will not take effect until all appeals have been exhausted.