By John Rohlf, The Message assistant editor
Community members and religious leaders from throughout the Evansville area gathered at the Four Freedoms Monument on Evansville’s riverfront May 1 for the annual Interfaith Observance of the National Day of Prayer.
Diocese of Evansville Bishop Joseph M. Siegel and a dozen other faith leaders offered prayers during the annual event, which has been held on the first Thursday of May since 1988. The Mater Dei choir sang the National Anthem and provided the closing music. Mayor Stephanie Terry read the proclamation declaring May 1 as National Day of Prayer in Evansville.
Hope was the theme of this year’s National Day of Prayer. Several faith leaders focused on this theme during their time in offering prayers.
Bishop Siegel offered the closing prayer and summary at this year’s National Day of Prayer. Bishop Siegel said it is always an honor to join the fellow religious leaders of the city in this time of prayer. He was grateful for their continuing witness and service to their faith communities, he said.
During the closing prayer, Bishop Siegel prayed that we ask for our Heavenly Father’s help to bring a renewed Spirit of Hope in our communities, especially those who are fearful, confused and discouraged in these challenging days. Bishop Siegel stated during the prayer to give us the wisdom and courage to turn away from animosity and division 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, he said during the prayer.
Prior to reading the proclamation, Mayor Terry noted, “we are experiencing some challenging times.” As the mayor of Evansville, she said, while she has a tough job to do and an enormous responsibility, she also is reminded that it is her faith that keeps her going.
“It’s recognizing the power of prayer. That fuels me every single day that I have the opportunity to lead this city,” Mayor Terry said. “And I’m going to continue to lead this city rooted in faith, but also I’m going to lead with love.”
Mayor Terry read from the proclamation, which in part said the National Day of Prayer belongs to all Americans and transcends our differences, bringing together citizens from all backgrounds. It is fitting that we focus on the need for healing and reconciliation within our community and nation, the proclamation said.
Methodist Temple Pastor and University of Evansville Chaplain Andy Payton was one of 12 other faith leaders to offer prayers. He said during the service “a day like today” gives him hope because he saw everyone in the midst of their differences coming together and saying yes to the idea of working for a better world.
Other leaders who offered prayers were Rev. Emily Slade, Bethlehem UCC; Abraham Brown, Holy Name Church, Henderson; Pastor Adrian Brooks, Memorial Baptist Church; Rev. Mary Beth McCandless, First Presbyterian Church; Rev. Jerusha Van Camp, First Presbyterian Church; Chad Monroe, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Rabbi Gary Mazo, Temple Adath B’nai Israel; Pastor Phil Heller, Crossroads Christian Church; Dr. Mohammad Hussain, Evansville Area Islamic Society; Tom Moor, Unitarian Universalist Church; and Pandit Vanchinathan Swamithan, Tri-State Hindu Temple.