The Message photos by John Rohlf
By John Rohlf, The Message assistant editor
Faith leaders from nearly a dozen religious organizations joined the public May 7 for the 75th National Day of Prayer.
The annual interfaith observance of National Day of Prayer was May 7 at Four Freedoms Monument in Evansville. The tradition of calling our nation to a day of prayer to God has been held on the first Thursday of May each year since 1988. The theme of this year’s National Day of Prayer observance was Psalm 46:2: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
City of Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry read the proclamation prior to various faith leaders delivering their individualized prayers.
“This is one of my favorite events of the year because I know that I’m nothing without him,” Mayor Terry said. “So I’m so grateful to be here with you today and to bring you this proclamation.”
The proclamation declared May 7 as National Day of Prayer in the City of Evansville. The proclamation said in part that National Day of Prayer belongs to all Americans, transcending our differences and bringing together citizens from all backgrounds.
“It is fitting that we focus on the need for healing and reconciliation within our community and our nation,” Mayor Terry read from the proclamation.
Diocese of Evansville Bishop Joseph M. Siegel delivered the closing prayer. During his prayer, Bishop Siegel said they gathered as people of faith, seeking the heavenly Father’s grace, blessing and guidance upon our country, leaders and people. We trust that our heavenly Father is our refuge and strength, and a helper close at hand in time of distress, he said in the prayer.
“We ask for your help to bring a renewed spirit of hope to our communities, especially those who are fearful, confused and discouraged in these challenging days,” Bishop Siegel prayed. “Give us the wisdom and courage to turn away from animosity and division, and to recognize that despite our differences, there are many more blessings that bind us together as one people. Inspire us to be agents of hope, forgiveness, justice, peace and unity.”
Prior to the closing prayer, Bishop Siegel thanked Mayor Terry and all in attendance for attending the Evansville interfaith observance of National Day of Prayer. He expressed his gratitude to all those who helped plan and coordinate the service. Bishop Siegel said it is always a great joy to join fellow religious leaders of our city in this time of prayer. We are grateful for their continuing witness and service in their faith communities, he said.
Faith leaders who led prayers during National Day of Prayer are Dr. Bashar Mourad, President of Islamic Society of Evansville; Rev. Mary Beth McCandless, First Presbyterian Church; Chad Monroe, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Pastor J.D. Rose, St. Paul’s UCC; Tom Ballard, Mindful Heart Buddha Sangha; Gloria Schwartz Mazo, Temple Adath B’nai Israel, Pastor Andy Payton, Methodist Temple; Pandit Vanchinathan Swamithan, Tri-State Hindu Temple; Abraham Brown, Holy Name Church, Henderson; and Pastor Adrian Brooks, Memorial Baptist Church.
Students from the Mater Dei High School choir performed the National Anthem and a closing hymn at the end of the ceremony.