More than 30,000 people converged on Houston's Reliant Stadium today for Texas Gov. Rick Perry's seven-hour prayer rally to restore America.

Perry spoke briefly at The Response, giving a 13-minute address that called on God to guide political leaders and those "who cannot see the light in the midst of all the darkness." A simulcast of the event showed some attendees kneeling and weeping during the speech, which drew shouts of "Amen."

"Father our heart breaks for America. We see discord at home. We see fear in the marketplace. We see angers in the halls of government," Perry said. "And as a nation we have forgotten who made us, who protects us, who blesses us, and for that we cry out for your forgiveness. We pray for our nation’s leaders, Lord, for parents, for pastors, for the generals, for governors, that you would inspire them in these difficult times."

He also offered a prayer for President Barack Obama and his family.

The prayer rally comes as Perry approaches a decision on whether to run for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination. His advisors have said the governor will make an announcement later this month.

[Here's everything you need to know about The Response]

As expected the prayer rally was a circus, with busloads of church-goers from across Texas arriving throughout the day. Hundreds of protesters picketed the rally outside of the stadium, and more than 200 members of the national press corps were on hand to cover the event.