Sitting alone on a back bench at the First Baptist Church of North Augusta, Mrs. Pittman wrestled with her anger as pastor Gary Redding led a 1 p.m. prayer service for the victims.

''I had to get away from the TV,'' said Ms. Pittman, the wife of a Navy veteran. ''It disturbed me, and I came here today to pray for those who are dead or dying and to ask God to forgive me for feeling all this hate that I feel right now in my heart.''

The Edgefield County woman was among 250 people who attended the hastily arranged service, where church leaders read Scripture, prayed and led the congregation in singing hymns and responsive readings.

Church members and visitors also heard updates about friends and neighbors who had relatives in New York or Washington.

Dr. Gary Redding, pastor of First Baptist Church of North Augusta, is overcome with emotion while he bows his head in prayer for the victims of Tuesday's terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington. About 250 people in search of solace attended a hastily arranged service at the church Tuesday. CHRIS THELEN/STAFF

''My sister is in New York about nine miles from the blast, and she's OK,'' said one woman.

Tuesday's terrorist attack prompted several churches to plan services. A 7 p.m. service was held Tuesday at Grace United Methodist Church in North Augusta, and at least four churches have planned special services for today.

In addition, 16 pastors with the Baptist Ministers Conference of Augusta plan to preach on a special theme Sunday, titled What to do when you don't know what to do: A response to an American tragedy.

In a press release signed by the pastors, the group asked all faith communities and individuals to ''pray for our country and the victims of this tragic and painful episode in American history.''

At the First Baptist Church of North Augusta, pastoral counselor John Hill told the congregation that it was a good time to examine its faith and renew its security in God.

''These are the times that shake us to our very foundation,'' he said. ''These are times that test us.''

One church leader led the congregation in singing A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, while another read from Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, ''Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.''

Holding his Bible in hand, Dr. Redding asked the congregation to bow their heads while he asked God for strength, hope and increased faith.

Dee Dee Hartzog works on a sign informing the public of an open prayer service that was held at Grace United Methodist Church on Tuesday night. JIM BLAYLOCK/STAFF

''We pray today that you will help this nation,'' he said. ''Be with our leaders. Grant them your wisdom, and grant them strength to face the enemy.''

Prayer services

Church services planned for Today:

Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 825 Greene Street, Augusta, will hold a prayer service at 7 p.m.

Abilene Baptist Church, 3917 Washington Road in Martinez, will be open at 6:45 p.m.

First Baptist Church, 3500 Walton Way, Augusta, will hold a prayer service at 11 a.m.

Greater Young Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 405 Sand Bar Ferry Road, will hold services at 11:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

First Baptist Church of Aiken, 120 Chesterfield St. N.E., willhold a communitywide prayer service at 7 p.m.

Abilene Baptist Church on Washington Road will be open at 6:45 p.m. today for those who wish to pray for the victims.

Reach Greg Rickabaugh at (706) 828-3851 or greg.rickabaugh@augustachronicle.com.