His stepmother, Gretta Saunders, who works at Georgia Trade near Wall Street in New York City, is safe at home.

''We just thank you, Lord. We lift up everyone involved,'' said Mr. Saunders, who led members of his Bible study group in prayer at Greater Young Zion Missionary Baptist Church. ''Those that are still alive, we ask you, Lord, to bring them out alive.''

The group at Greater Young Zion was one of many in Augusta's church community that came together Wednesday night to pray for the survivors, victims and families devastated by Tuesday's terrorist attacks.

Margaret Hightower attends the Wednesday evening prayer service at Greater Young Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Augusta. The church dedicated the service to the victims and survivors of Tuesday's terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. MICHAEL HOLAHAN/STAFF

''We need to pray for our nation because I believe we are in serious trouble,'' said Sandra Bethea, a nurse at Medical College of Georgia Hospital, who was attending a gathering at Beulah Grove Baptist Church. ''We need God's spirit and comfort.

''Prayer builds strength and brings our nation together as a whole.''

The attack on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon near Washington left some Augustans feeling unsure of their safety.

Gayle Sullivan, who also was at Beulah Grove, lived in New York until she moved to Augusta in 1973. She visited the Big Apple a month ago.

At Wednesday evening's service, Marty Jones (left) and Peter Guillory clasp hands in prayer for the victims, survivors and families of the attacks. MICHAEL HOLAHAN/STAFF

''How could this happen in America?'' she asked. ''I thought we were set against an attack from another country.

''This has really hit home because it shows it could happen anywhere.''

Despite the tragedy that possibly took thousands of lives, some say the attacks carried with them an important lesson.

''Sin is prevalent in our society,'' said Reggie Collins, who was at Young Zion. ''We have a lot of animosity toward countries that hate us. And we have our own hate groups that thrive on things like this.

''I hope they learn from this to get through the hate of people.''

Reach Albert Ross at (706) 823-3339 or ajrossjr@hotmail.com.