DETROIT — A higher authority than Congress received an appeal to save the U.S. carmakers on Sunday when the Greater Grace Temple of Detroit held a special prayer and consecration service for the domestic auto industry. Bishop Charles H. Ellis III said it is time for the religious community in the Motor City to 'engage its most potent weapon' — prayer — 'at this most dire hour.' Toward that end, the church had three hybrid SUVs placed at the altar for the service — one from each of the Detroit Three.The Ford Escape, and Chrysler Aspen 'were parked just in front of the choir and behind the pulpit,' Reuters reported.Bishop Ellis's sermon, titled 'A Hybrid Hope,' was aimed at people employed at all levels of the auto industry and in both Big Three companies and supplier firms, from executives to line workers, he said. He also called on the congregation to pray and fast while waiting for the word on a government bailout, now being considered by Congress.A special 'prayer and anointing' was offered to all in attendance at the 11 a.m. service on Sunday. As the church's statement said, 'anointing with oil is symbolic of the conferring of God's blessing and favor.'Inside Line says: Looking beyond the publicity-grabbing aspect of this service, it's possible to see a sincere and heartfelt effort to support an industry that is the lifeblood of Detroit. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent