Led by the Dean of St Paul's Cathedral, the Very Rev Dr Trevor James, a handful of people attended the City Prayers at St Paul's service.
Although he would have liked to see "thousands of people" attend, he was pleased to have started the weekly service, Dr James said.
"We are in it for the long haul. And we hope numbers will build up."
Representatives from other denominations also attended.
It was hoped church leaders would take future services in the coming weeks, Dr James said.
The 15 minute service included prayers for those experiencing mortgagee sales, those who had been made redundant, and those facing an uncertain future.
Prayers to government, civic and business leaders asking "they be compassionate and creative in their policy-making" were also heard.
