Gov. Sam Brownback joined a dozen Kansas elected officials Thursday marking the National Day of Prayer with pleas for divine guidance that strengthens families and bonds of marriage and for the comfort of traumatized police, fire, paramedic and military personnel.

The governor closed the event at the Capitol by telling about 150 people that life was too short to skip a day in the struggle to create a nation that follows God’s will. Despite political and philosophical differences that exist among people at the Statehouse, he said, everyone working under the dome should unite under the banner of faith.

"Just give us that intensity to live every moment for the kingdom of God," said Brownback, who affirmed faith-based leadership required sacrifice. "When you’re the tip of the spear, it hurts."

Senate President Susan Wagle, of Wichita, and House Speaker Ron Ryckman, of Olathe, prayed for colleagues to find wisdom and courage to meet financial and policy challenges facing the 2017 Legislature.

In addition, Wagle asked that Jesus walk the path of recovery with a 2-year-old girl hospitalized with a traumatic injury.

Rep. Randy Powell, R-Olathe, requested that God’s message reclaim prominence in American government, education, business and the arts. He said he was on a hiking trail in Johnson County when he recognized how far society had fallen.

"I’m not a fatalist. We shouldn’t throw in the towel," Powell said. "God is calling an army to raise up and not do business as usual."

Rep. Pete DeGraaf offered a prayer that touched upon what he considered broad assault on the definition of marriage as the exclusive union of a man and a woman. "The concept of marriage is under attack," the Mulvane Republican said.

Disintegration of traditional family structure is harming the state and nation, said Rep. Randy Garber, R-Sabetha.

"Teach the women to respect their husbands," he said. "Teach the children to obey the parents."

Secretary of State Kris Kobach made a plea for those working in government to act with equity, fairness, love and mercy rather than self-interest. Attorney General Derek Schmidt sought fortitude for law enforcement doing their duty and peace of mind for those enduring responsibilities of the job.

Rep. Eric Smith, a Burlington Republican with a law enforcement background, said the firefighters and medical personnel who respond to emergencies were dedicated to rushing into tragedy. He asked God to "hold them in times of terror and sorrow."