Arranging the Philadelphia ceremony - it starts at 10:30 a.m., with a shofar sounding, Mayor Rendell reading a proclamation, the Salvation Army Band performing, and clergy of many denominations praying - has been Campbell's special work for the past four years.
Prayer for her is full-time.
``I'm an intercessor, a prayer warrior. That means I stand in the gap for others,'' she said, likening her prayers to taking a blow aimed at another, or intercepting a pass at a football game.
``My life is a prayer. It's not like I go someplace and get on my knees. I pray while I'm walking. I pray while I'm in my car. I pray over my appointment book that everything I do during the day will honor God.''
Her appointment book is full today. The Independence Mall ceremony is the second of six in which she'll participate, stretching from a prayer breakfast in Bensalem to an evening event in Lancaster.
Other events are planned at churches, parks and outside county courthouses across the suburbs and in Camden.
National Day of Prayer has its roots in a 1775 proclamation by the Continental Congress. It was observed off and on until 1952, when President Truman formalized it. This is the 45th straight year of federal and state proclamations for prayer.
But Philadelphia was a vacuum until Campbell got involved.
``It was a definite call on my life from the Lord,'' she said. ``It was during my prayer time, which is 4 o'clock in the morning, that I had a strong impression that I ought to listen to a special program.
``I turned on the radio and they were asking for coordinators to start an event in their area. I had a strict impression to call that number. They didn't have anybody from Philadelphia.
``I never intended to be the coordinator. But when God pulls your coattails, you have to move.''
Campbell, 65, is a licensed Presbyterian minister and an account executive at WFIL (560) and WZZD (990), two AM stations that focus on positive talk and religious programs. She worships at the nondenominational Gatekeepers Fellowship Church, not coincidentally on the Admiral Wilson Boulevard sin strip in Camden.
``The prostitutes don't think it is very lucrative around there any more since we're there,'' she said.
Prayer guides Campbell's every action, even her participation in the interview for this story.
``Yes. I am praying for perfect self-expression,'' she said. ``I want to express my thoughts to you so you can convey it to the reader.''
