Selma’s elected officials received prayers and blessings Monday during an elected officials prayer day.

About 50 people joined some members of the Selma City Council — Council members Angela Benjamin, Dr. Monica Newton, Cecil Williamson, Susan Keith, Bennie L. Tucker and Corey Bowie — and Mayor George Evans at noon for an hour of prayer and songs.

Bowie organized the event at City Hall. “This is the proper way for us to begin four years,” he said. “We need all the help we can get. Prayer unifies, and that’s what we seek — unity.”

Among those participating, the Rev. Winston Williams, Ronald Peoples, Janet Nabors, Arlene Phillips, Janet Nabors and various ministers from different churches in the city.

Pastor Daniel Martin closed the session with prayer, which also touched on unity needed by the city.

Before closing, Martin urged members of the council present to, “Be quick and forgiving when you feel your dignity has been trampled.”

Martin also asked council members to let go of the past, “so we can move onto the future.”