Witness Ben Thorndike saw Monday's blast at the Boston Marathon from a nearby office building. His sequence of photos, seven shown here, show the moments immediately after the blast. 
The image ends the sequence of photos showing the moments immediately after the blast.
The image ends the sequence of photos showing the moments immediately after the blast.
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After the explosion: Moment-by-moment
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STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- NEW: President Barack Obama arrives in Boston for prayer service
- Don't characterize men in video as suspects, Homeland Security secretary says
- "But we need the public's help in locating these individuals," Janet Napolitano says
- Interfaith service to focus on healing spiritual wounds from Monday's Boston attack
President Barack Obama, who on Wednesday signed an emergency declaration allowing for expanded federal support for Boston, will be among the speakers at a public interfaith prayer service in the city's Cathedral of the Holy Cross.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, hundreds of investigators will continue their around-the-clock work to identify two men that a law enforcement source told CNN are pictured in images captured before the blast -- not far from the race's finish line, one of them lugging a black backpack.
It was in such a backpack that investigators believe the bomber or bombers placed explosive devices that killed three and wounded more than 180 Monday toward the end of the Boston Marathon.
Students create finish line for principal
"Every hour we're closer," Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick told CNN's "Situation Room" on Wednesday. "And I say that because we've got the very best professionals at every level working this. And working it hard."
Prayer service
Obama arrived Thursday morning in Boston for the prayer service as hundreds of people began the slow process of filing inside under heavy security.
Scores of police officers and other first responders took seats inside the ornate cathedral. A nun circulated through the crowd, hugging one crying woman and greeting others.
In addition to speaking at the service, Obama was to meet with families of victims and first responders to the bombings, administration spokesman Josh Earnest said.
A flag flies at half staff on April 17 near the scene of the Boston Marathon bombings. The explosions, which occurred Monday near the finish line of the 116-year-old Boston race, resulted in the deaths of three people with more than 170 others injured. View photos from the attack.
First lady Michelle Obama takes part in a moment of silence for victims of the bombings at the Boston Marathon during a bill-signing ceremony at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, Maryland, on April 17.
First lady Michelle Obama takes part in a moment of silence for victims of the bombings at the Boston Marathon during a bill-signing ceremony at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, Maryland, on April 17.
Flowers, running shoes and other items are left in memory of Chinese graduate student Lingzi Lu, who was killed during the bomb explosions on April 17.
Flowers, running shoes and other items are left in memory of Chinese graduate student Lingzi Lu, who was killed during the bomb explosions on April 17.
Joy Liu, 23, puts a green hat with a shamrock and a note with the words "From Boston and Beijing with love. RIP" at the memorial for Lu.
Joy Liu, 23, puts a green hat with a shamrock and a note with the words "From Boston and Beijing with love. RIP" at the memorial for Lu.
Boston Bruins fans sing the national anthem during pregame ceremonies on April 17 in remembrance of the Boston Marathon bombing victims.
Boston Bruins fans sing the national anthem during pregame ceremonies on April 17 in remembrance of the Boston Marathon bombing victims.
Brooks Orpik of the Pittsburgh Penguins shows his support for Boston with a sticker on his helmet during the Penguins' game against the Montreal Canadiens on April 17.
Brooks Orpik of the Pittsburgh Penguins shows his support for Boston with a sticker on his helmet during the Penguins' game against the Montreal Canadiens on April 17.
A moment of silence was held for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings before a hockey game between the Boston Bruins and the Buffalo Sabres on April 17.
A moment of silence was held for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings before a hockey game between the Boston Bruins and the Buffalo Sabres on April 17.
People pray during a vigil held by the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts, on April 17 to show support for those affected by the Boston Marathon bombings.
People pray during a vigil held by the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts, on April 17 to show support for those affected by the Boston Marathon bombings.
Dennis Seidenberg of the Boston Bruins observes a moment of silence for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings before the start of an NHL hockey game in Boston against the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday, April 17. It was the first sporting event held in the city since the bombings.
Dennis Seidenberg of the Boston Bruins observes a moment of silence for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings before the start of an NHL hockey game in Boston against the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday, April 17. It was the first sporting event held in the city since the bombings.
A man places a message for the victims of the Boston bombings at a memorial site in Boston on April 17.
A man places a message for the victims of the Boston bombings at a memorial site in Boston on April 17.
Prior to an April 17 service at Marsh Chapel on the Boston University campus, members of the clergy walk past a memorial for graduate student Lu Lingzi, who was identified as the third person killed in the terror attack. Previously identified were Krystle Campbell, 29, of Arlington, Massachusetts, and Martin Richard, 8, of Dorchester, Massachusetts.
Prior to an April 17 service at Marsh Chapel on the Boston University campus, members of the clergy walk past a memorial for graduate student Lu Lingzi, who was identified as the third person killed in the terror attack. Previously identified were Krystle Campbell, 29, of Arlington, Massachusetts, and Martin Richard, 8, of Dorchester, Massachusetts.
Danielle Cerroni writes a chalk message on the street on April 17 at the scene of the explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.
Danielle Cerroni writes a chalk message on the street on April 17 at the scene of the explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano observes a moment of silence for victims of the Boston bombing during a hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on April 17.
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano observes a moment of silence for victims of the Boston bombing during a hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on April 17.
A woman looks at memorials left at the scene of the Boston Marathon explosions.
A woman looks at memorials left at the scene of the Boston Marathon explosions.
A man and woman leave after visiting the makeshift memorial on Boylston Street on April 17.
A man and woman leave after visiting the makeshift memorial on Boylston Street on April 17.
A mother and daughter hold one another during a vigil in memory of 8-year-old Martin Richard of Dorchester at Garvey Park in Boston on Tuesday, April 16.
A mother and daughter hold one another during a vigil in memory of 8-year-old Martin Richard of Dorchester at Garvey Park in Boston on Tuesday, April 16.
A crowd holding candles gathers during a vigil on April 16 at Garvey Park in Boston for 8-year-old Martin Richard of Dorchester, who was killed in the marathon bombing.
A crowd holding candles gathers during a vigil on April 16 at Garvey Park in Boston for 8-year-old Martin Richard of Dorchester, who was killed in the marathon bombing.
People gather in Boston Common on April 16 for a candlelight vigil for victims of the bombings in Boston.
People gather in Boston Common on April 16 for a candlelight vigil for victims of the bombings in Boston.
Hundreds gather at the impromptu vigil on Boston Common.
Hundreds gather at the impromptu vigil on Boston Common.
Emerson College students embrace one another at the vigil on Boston Common on April 16.
Emerson College students embrace one another at the vigil on Boston Common on April 16.
Attendees hold candles in honor of the victims at an interfaith service at Arlington Street Church in Boston on April 16.
Attendees hold candles in honor of the victims at an interfaith service at Arlington Street Church in Boston on April 16.
A woman uses her hand to keep wind from her candle as she stands with others around the pond in the Boston Public Gardens after a candlelight interfaith service at Arlington Street Church on April 16.
A woman uses her hand to keep wind from her candle as she stands with others around the pond in the Boston Public Gardens after a candlelight interfaith service at Arlington Street Church on April 16.
Mourners gather on the edge of the pond in the Boston Public Gardens for a candlelight vigil on April 16.
Mourners gather on the edge of the pond in the Boston Public Gardens for a candlelight vigil on April 16.
Visitors fill Arlington Street Church for a candlelight vigil on April 16.
Visitors fill Arlington Street Church for a candlelight vigil on April 16.
Students from the Clifden Academy hold an American flag and candles during a vigil on April 16 in Dorcester, Massachusetts, in honor of 8-year-old Martin Richard, who was killed in the bombings.
Students from the Clifden Academy hold an American flag and candles during a vigil on April 16 in Dorcester, Massachusetts, in honor of 8-year-old Martin Richard, who was killed in the bombings.
People walk along the barricade at Boylston Street on April 16, following yesterday's bomb attack on the Boston Marathon.
People walk along the barricade at Boylston Street on April 16, following yesterday's bomb attack on the Boston Marathon.
On the shared porch of their home in Medford, Massachusetts, on April 16, Colleen Howe, left, and Lisa O'Leary grieve for their neighbor, Patty Campbell, who lost her daughter Krystle Campbell in the bombings.
On the shared porch of their home in Medford, Massachusetts, on April 16, Colleen Howe, left, and Lisa O'Leary grieve for their neighbor, Patty Campbell, who lost her daughter Krystle Campbell in the bombings.
Nicole Rand, left, who ran the marathon, embraces with her mother, Maureen Joham, on April 16 as she recounts her experience in Boston.
Nicole Rand, left, who ran the marathon, embraces with her mother, Maureen Joham, on April 16 as she recounts her experience in Boston.
Attendees of the vigil sign a large poster in honor of the victims of the bombing on April 16.
Attendees of the vigil sign a large poster in honor of the victims of the bombing on April 16.
Mourners hug one another during a vigil for victims of the Boston Marathon bombings at Boston Common
Mourners hug one another during a vigil for victims of the Boston Marathon bombings at Boston Common
A man carries balloons, flowers and flags to a memorial for victims on April 16, just blocks from the scene of the bombings.
A man carries balloons, flowers and flags to a memorial for victims on April 16, just blocks from the scene of the bombings.
American flags hang from a barrier on April 16 at a roadblock staffed by National Guard soldiers at the end of Boylston Street near the site of the bombings in Boston.
American flags hang from a barrier on April 16 at a roadblock staffed by National Guard soldiers at the end of Boylston Street near the site of the bombings in Boston.
Mike Vitale, who lives in the Boston area, prays beside a makeshift memorial at a roadblock at the end of Boylston Street.
Mike Vitale, who lives in the Boston area, prays beside a makeshift memorial at a roadblock at the end of Boylston Street.
Emerson College students Rachel Ferullo, left, and Kathryn Waxman at a vigil on Boston Common for victims of the bombings.
Emerson College students Rachel Ferullo, left, and Kathryn Waxman at a vigil on Boston Common for victims of the bombings.
Runners Judy Adler, left, and her daughter, Rachel Schapiro, embrace during a moment of silence at the Baptist Health South Florida Brickell Run Club event organized on April 16 in Miami in honor of victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.
Runners Judy Adler, left, and her daughter, Rachel Schapiro, embrace during a moment of silence at the Baptist Health South Florida Brickell Run Club event organized on April 16 in Miami in honor of victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.
Five-time Boston Marathon runner Jose Sotolongo, center, reacts during a moment of silence at the Baptist Health South Florida Brickell Run Club event in Miami on April 16.
Five-time Boston Marathon runner Jose Sotolongo, center, reacts during a moment of silence at the Baptist Health South Florida Brickell Run Club event in Miami on April 16.
The New York Islanders and Florida Panthers stand for a moment of silence for the bombings at the Boston Marathon before their game at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on April 16 in Uniondale, New York.
The New York Islanders and Florida Panthers stand for a moment of silence for the bombings at the Boston Marathon before their game at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on April 16 in Uniondale, New York.
Members of the Boston Red Sox observe a moment of silence before their game against the Cleveland Indians on April 16 in Cleveland.
Members of the Boston Red Sox observe a moment of silence before their game against the Cleveland Indians on April 16 in Cleveland.
People walk Boylston Street where memorials have been set up to the corner of Berkeley after the barricades were moved back on April 16.
People walk Boylston Street where memorials have been set up to the corner of Berkeley after the barricades were moved back on April 16.
A woman prays at a security gate near the scene of the bomb attack where visitors have congregated on April 16. See the aftermath in Boston.
A woman prays at a security gate near the scene of the bomb attack where visitors have congregated on April 16. See the aftermath in Boston.
From left, Boston Marathon runners Tammy Snyder, Diane Deigmann and Lisa Kresky-Griffin embrace at the barricaded entrance to Boylston Street near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on April 16.
From left, Boston Marathon runners Tammy Snyder, Diane Deigmann and Lisa Kresky-Griffin embrace at the barricaded entrance to Boylston Street near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on April 16.
Two young girls leave flowers on the steps outside the home of 8-year-old Martin Richards, who was killed in one of the explosions at the marathon.
Two young girls leave flowers on the steps outside the home of 8-year-old Martin Richards, who was killed in one of the explosions at the marathon.
Several former Heisman Trophy winners, including former Saints running back George Rogers, right, observe a moment of silence for the bombing victims Tuesday before working on a Habitat for Humanity home in New Orleans.
Several former Heisman Trophy winners, including former Saints running back George Rogers, right, observe a moment of silence for the bombing victims Tuesday before working on a Habitat for Humanity home in New Orleans.
Traders observe a moment of silence on Tuesday before the opening bell on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.
Traders observe a moment of silence on Tuesday before the opening bell on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.
The flag above the White House flies at half staff on Tuesday, April 16 in Washington.
The flag above the White House flies at half staff on Tuesday, April 16 in Washington.
The Minnesota Twins stand during the national anthem before their game on Monday, April 15, in Minneapolis, following a moment of silence to honor the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.
The Minnesota Twins stand during the national anthem before their game on Monday, April 15, in Minneapolis, following a moment of silence to honor the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.
President Barack Obama makes a statement about the bombings in the White House briefing room on Monday.
President Barack Obama makes a statement about the bombings in the White House briefing room on Monday.
Players and fans observe a moment of silence before the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors NBA game in Oakland, California, on Monday.
Players and fans observe a moment of silence before the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors NBA game in Oakland, California, on Monday.
A U.S. flag flies at half staff at the Capitol on Monday after House Speaker John Boehner ordered flags to be lowered.
A U.S. flag flies at half staff at the Capitol on Monday after House Speaker John Boehner ordered flags to be lowered.
Fans pause for a moment of silence before the NHL game between the Phoenix Coyotes and the San Jose Sharks on Monday in Glendale, Arizona. See the world reaction to the attack.
Fans pause for a moment of silence before the NHL game between the Phoenix Coyotes and the San Jose Sharks on Monday in Glendale, Arizona. See the world reaction to the attack.
Mark Trumbo of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim stands during the National Anthem following a moment of silence to honor the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing before the game against the Minnesota Twins on April 15, 2013 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Mark Trumbo of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim stands during the National Anthem following a moment of silence to honor the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing before the game against the Minnesota Twins on April 15, 2013 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Photos: Nation mourns Boston bomb victims 
Several members of same family wounded 
Mailbox might have saved this man's life
Working leads
On Wednesday, a law enforcement official who is being regularly briefed on the investigation told CNN's Susan Candiotti that images showing two men near the marathon finish line were being circulated to state and federal law enforcement agencies.
The photographs are not being released to the public for fear of impeding the investigation, the source said.
The source described the men as "possible suspects."
In the images, the source said, one of the men is seen carrying a black backpack.
Asked about the images at a congressional hearing Thursday, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano urged caution.
"There is some video that has raised the question of those that the FBI would like to speak with," she said. "I wouldn't characterize them as suspects under the technical term. But we need the public's help in locating these individuals."
She said the investigation is "proceeding apace."
But she said, "This is not an 'NCIS' episode. Sometimes you have to take time to properly put the chain together to identify the perpetrators, but everyone is committed to seeing that that gets done in the right way."
Earlier Wednesday, two sources with knowledge of the investigation identified a man as a possible suspect in the attack but did not name him.
Seen on a video, the man wore a white baseball cap. One of the sources added that the cap was on backward and the man was also wearing a light-colored hooded sweatshirt and a black jacket.
It was not immediately clear if he is one of those alluded to in the photographs distributed to law enforcement officials.
The reports came after a chaotic day in which some law enforcement sources initially told media outlets that a suspect had been arrested, only to have the FBI and Boston police issue formal denials that any suspect was in custody.
Examining photo evidence from bomb site 
Victim: I saw things I wish I didn't see 
Dodd: 'I saw humanity at its finest' 
Picture shows suspicious bag at marathon
Patrick urged patience to allow investigators space to do their job.
"I wish they had nailed the perpetrator within minutes of this catastrophe, but I understand from experience it's going to take some time," he said.
Details of bombs
Investigators say the bombs, which exploded 12 seconds apart, were designed to deliver the most vicious suffering.
One was housed in a pressure cooker hidden inside a backpack, the FBI said. The device also had fragments that may have included nails, BBs and ball bearings, the agency said.
The second bomb was in a metal container, but it was unclear whether it was in a pressure cooker as well, the FBI said.
Photos obtained by CNN show the remains of a pressure cooker found at the scene, along with a shredded black backpack and what appear to be metal pellets or ball bearings.
They were sent to the FBI's national laboratory in Virginia, where technicians will try to reconstruct the devices.
In the past, the U.S. government has warned federal agencies that terrorists could turn pressure cookers into bombs by packing them with explosives and shrapnel, and detonating them with blasting caps.
While the clues moved the investigation forward, it is still unclear whether the attack was an act of domestic or foreign terrorism.
Authorities sifted through thousands of pieces of evidence and a mass of digital photos and video clips. They have pleaded for the public's help in providing additional leads and images.
Casualty update
More than 60 people remained hospitalized Wednesday night in Boston-area medical centers, 13 of them in critical condition, according to hospital officials.
Three people died:
• Martin Richard, an 8-year-old boy with a gap-tooth grin and bright eyes. He loved to run and play in his yard.
• Krystle Campbell, a 29-year-old freckle-faced woman described by her mother as having "a heart of gold."
• The third victim was Lingzu Lu, a graduate student at Boston University who had moved to the city last fall, making friends and soaking up new experiences.
The U.S. State Department has been in contact with her family and the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement released Thursday.
"We stand ready to provide whatever appropriate assistance we can to the family members of foreign nationals in the aftermath of this despicable act of terror," Kerry said.
'Make room for love'
The emotions are still raw: anger, confusion, terror.
But those who lived through the twin blasts at the marathon -- and those touched by the tragedy -- are slowly picking up the pieces and trying to move on.
The city will make a formal effort of that Thursday with the planned 11 a.m. interfaith prayer service featuring Obama, Patrick and Cardinal Sean O'Malley, among others.
It's time to "make room for love, said Lisa Conti, a graduate student in Boston.
"Imagine how much deeper the wound would be if we filled the empty spaces with hate instead of love."
But not everyone is ready, or able, to move on. For Candace Rispoli, who witnessed the bombing, the pain was still too raw.
"My hands have still not stopped shaking," Rispoli said
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