LIHU‘E — For people needing prayer on National Day of Prayer, there was an abundance of facilitators on Thursday at the Lihu‘e Civic Center Mo‘ikeha Building.
They represented more than 15 different religions and spiritual schools that gathered for the first time in-person following the COVID-19 shutdown to pray for our island, our nation, and our world coordinated by the Interfaith Roundtable of Kaua‘i.
“As our nation continues to face economic turmoil, military conflict in various parts of the world, a pandemic, racism, political conflict and climate change, it is as important now as it was then that we come together in prayerful unity for the wisdom and compassion of all world leaders,” states a National Day of Prayer proclamation issued by Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami in observance of NDP.
Annaleah Atkinson of the Interfaith Roundtable of Kaua‘i and the Fellowship of the Inner Light, said in remarks how the many different faiths represented at the Mo‘ikeha Building are united in key passages of their respective prayers and messages.
“The National Day of Prayer, established by Congress more than 70 years ago, is observed by various levels of government and by the American people as we learn to live virtuous lives, respect each other, and work together to support a secure, safe, and harmonious future for our keiki and the generations to come,” the proclamation states.
Enhanced by the hauntingly soothing sound of crystal bowls played by Luis Padilla, the 17 speakers took their turn in praying for humanity.
“Peace, especially for countries that are at war or in conflict; Kaua‘i and Visitors’ safety, including safe driving on our roadways, preventing drownings, and protection from natural disasters; kupuna, keiki, and families, and for our graduating students as they begin their new futures that they may meet their challenges; all people who feel lonely, sad, and are depressed; homelessness; our environment, and the safety and cleanliness of our parks and public spaces; drug and other substance abuse prevention; suicide prevention and their loved ones; Kaua‘i infrastructure, including road upkeep and a way to manage our trash; our county department heads and leaders, and county employees and their families for their sacrifice; our mayor that he makes sound and just decisions for our people; the State Legislature, and U.S. government; all the people of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau; peace through Centered Stillness,” the special Interfaith Roundtable of Kaua‘i prayer for the National Day of Prayer floated with the notes of the crystal bowls, hopefully, to find a place in people’s hearts.
The Interfaith Roundtable of Kaua‘i has been here since 2004, existing as a forum of local representatives from different spiritual, religious, and spiritual educational organizations who gather to share their faiths and explore their diversity while focusing on their similarities.
An evening version of National Day of Prayer was hosted by the Office of Kaua‘i Island Ministries, a network of more than 30 churches on Kaua‘i, at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center.
The National Day of Prayer is a tradition that predates the founding of the nation when the Continental Congress asked the colonies, in 1775, to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, states the mayoral proclamation.
•••
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
