Utahns gather in Day of Prayer
Peace, freedom and mercy are themes at service in Provo
In Provo, about 50 people gathered at noon in the sanctuary at Provo Community Congregational Church to pray for peace, freedom and mercy for their enemies. Speakers represented a variety of faiths including Jews, Protestants, Catholics and Latter-day Saints.
Chaplain Linda Walton of the Utah Valley State College Interfaith Student Association said it is certain that participants "don't always agree theologically, but almost all religions pray, and that's why we're here." Quoting author John Mecham, she said religion in America "shapes the life of a nation without strangling it."
Chaplain Michael Benedict, chairman of the Utah Valley Interfaith Association, prayed for all in attendance to "accept the stewardship" to lead the less fortunate, knowing that "they too are a part of our community." He prayed all would have courage to "always be mindful, always be prayerful, always be vigilant, and to never take (citizens') rights and responsibilities for granted."
The Rev. Miki Laws of American Fork Community Presbyterian Church said there is a "very thin line between freedom and chaos" and prayed that participants might know "that God is always in charge . . . that we will know how to respect freedom and to avoid chaos," even when public policies disagree with personal preference.
The Very Rev. Kevin Crowell of the Emergent Catholic Church International offered three brief prayers from Russian Orthodox, Anglican and Catholic writing and teaching. "Help us change our world as we pray for our enemies," he said.
Alex Stecker of Hebrew University in Jerusalem prayed that God would "strengthen the defenders of this nation, establish peace in the land and everlasting joy for its inhabitants."
Asking God to "still and calm the elements, that they might not bring about (more) suffering for the innocent," Chaplain Alden Brown of Utah Valley Regional Medical Center acknowledged those whose lives have recently been scarred by natural disasters, as well as victims of war and struggles "between neighbors and in the streets of our communities and cities and nations."
Provo Mayor Lewis Billings attended the service and read a proclamation lauding the celebration of the National Day of Prayer in Provo. The service included an interdenominational hymn and a rendition of "God Bless America," by vocalist Chelsie Porter.
Other services around the state were led by evangelical Christian ministers, who organized and sponsored events in St. George, Orem, Salt Lake City, Park City and Ogden.
E-mail: carrie@desnews.com
Comments
- Package deal for S.L. area 7:12 p.m.
- Budget road trip 7:12 p.m.
- Carlos becomes hurricane off Baja 6:54 p.m.
- Cheney-CIA counterterrorism talk 6:53 p.m.
- Peirsol breaks WR in 200 back 6:51 p.m.
- Logan canal breaks; 3 to 4 missing 6:37 p.m.
- 'Mates: Millsap deserves big payday 5:22 p.m.
- Millsap offer: $10.3M up front 4:59 p.m.
- Questions about osteoarthritis 4:43 p.m.
- 'Love advocates' plan 'kiss-in' 3:46 p.m.
- Jazz brass debate Millsap match
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza
- Jazz finances not quite so bleak
- Logan canal breaks; 3 to 4 missing
- Utahns among Texans' investors
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- Millsap offer: $10.3M up front
- Cash for Clunkers to get rolling soon
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love'
- LDS seminary principal arrested
332 - Jazz brass debate Millsap match
192 - 2 men cited on LDS plaza
164 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
141 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
124 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
101 - Fairness of BCS debated
83 - Letters: Single-payer system best
76 - Services bids farewell to Jackson
70
As more and more dads are put out of work in this economy, I've been...
The photographs are mysterious, brooding, dark. They show dimples and...
let Milsap go, I relize he may be one of 4 people on the team with heart, get...
To "I Smell California," who brilliantly made the following comment a few...
dollar contract and he is getting 10 million this year than he will only be...
The Jazz already have a couple of other PFs they can use: Okur is really a...
Wasn't Joseph Smith's "inspired translation" enough? Will someone please...
I had Bro Pratt as a seminary teacher only two years ago. He is the most...
We do need to see the evidence as it comes out in the Legal system. If...
We want this stuff. The media aren't making money without our permission,...
I don't want homosexuals exposing themselves in front of my children. The...
What some of you don't understand is that if GM had filed bankruptcy without...



You can be the first to comment on this story.