Elder M. Russell Ballard of the LDS Church's Quorum of the Twelve said there is nothing individuals can't deal with in their lives if they love and have faith in God. "We have great interest and concern for all our Heavenly Father's children, wherever we find them."

Rabbi Tracee Rosen of Congregation Kol Ami said as economic challenges and fear are a daily staple for many, "It's our obligation to look at our situation honestly and look at life with reality in mind and still find a way to be able to count our blessings on a daily basis."

Abraham Lincoln was able to see past the immediate strife and tragedy of the Civil War in order to issue a proclamation in 1863, setting aside a national day of thanksgiving, said the Rev. Michael Kouremetis of Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church. He added that personal ego can be characterized as an acronym, "ease God out," unless individuals get a handle on it.

The Rev. Matthew Wixted of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City said as a chaplain at Holy Cross Hospital for 20 years, what struck him as most important was "the value and the dignity of every person," including one young man who had been estranged from his family, yet through depending on God was able to reunite with them just hours before his death.

Imam Muhammed Meta of the Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake said there is much more unity in basic principles among the world's various faiths than there is difference. "Each and every religion commands its members to be charitable, kind, to be not abusive, to reach out with kindness and compassion and love."

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