The special vigil for the singer, who is seriously ill, began at New Bethel Baptist Church began before dawn.
The prayers come one day after Stevie Wonder visited the ailing Queen of Soul at her home.
The Rev Jesse Jackson and Franklin's ex-husband, actor Glynn Turman, also visited the star.
Rev. Jesse Jackson speaking to reporters at the Operation PUSH Soul Picnic in New York as Tom Todd, vice president of PUSH, from second left, Aretha Franklin and Louis Stokes.
A person close to Franklin has confirmed that the singer is ill, though no further details have been released.
The 76-year-old cancelled planned concerts earlier this year after she was ordered by her doctor to stay off the road and rest.
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