In Theory:

Every day is a day of prayer. You can’t live a life devoted to God’s presence and not be connected to that presence as much as possible. Prayer is a commitment to surrender each day to God.

I like the idea of prayer dedicated to our country and its citizens. But I can’t pray for the United States only. Every human is sacred or no one is sacred.

In my way of prayer, I start by recognizing or rethinking God’s infinite and eternal presence. There is only God and nothing else.

Then I unify myself with my creator by announcing that God and I are one. Once this idea is firmly in my heart and mind, I then declare what I know to be true. This is followed by a statement of thanks giving and release.

Recognize, unify, declare, give thanks and let go. This is the way I pray.

Jim Turrell

Center for Spiritual Living

Prayers should be directed to what is at least remotely possible. Jewish tradition teaches us to not offer prayers in vain, prayers that are probably not capable of fulfillment.

Hence, I did not pray that our senators and congressmen attain wisdom. It appears that they are forever smitten with a burning desire to do nothing for the common good, to take as long as possible to do said nothing, and to then boast that they have done something beneficial. It would be in vain to pray that they become believable, trustworthy, or that they merit reelection.

As Mark Twain wrote, “No one’s life, liberty or property is safe while the legislature is in session.”

So, I prayed that Congress meet but rarely, that our nation will prosper and flourish in spite of its so-called leaders, and especially that we continue as a government of laws and not men.

Rabbi Mark S. Miller

Temple Bat Yahm

Newport Beach

I am so grateful that I joined the Newport-Mesa-Irvine Interfaith Council for the National Day of Prayer breakfast Thursday! There were community members and clergy leaders representing many faiths present to share in prayer. We prayed together for our families, our cities, Orange County, California, the United States, all of our government leaders, and most importantly we prayed for the entire world.

We were incredibly blessed to have the pleasure of listening to our key note speaker, David Levinson, founder of Big Sunday, speak from his heart with bold honesty, witty humor, and touching authenticity.

Levinson reminded us that the National Day of Prayer has been usurped by the radical Christian right and shared his gratitude that we were an interfaith gathering that welcomed a fairly unobservant Jew to speak before us as we lifted our prayers on what has become a controversial day. His eloquent, entertaining and heartfelt words spoke of the spirit of volunteerism and encouraged us to pray that as a nation (and as this very community) we might catch that spirit and care for each other.

I could not have started the day off any better! It was a blessing to be with my sisters and brothers in prayer.

The Rev. Sarah Halverson

Fairview Community Church

Costa Mesa

Every day is “prayer day” in our home. However, this week we had the opportunity to attend two “prayer breakfasts,” where people from many faiths were able to give gratitude to their Heavenly Father for the blessings of living in this cherished nation.

On Thursday, the Newport-Mesa-Irvine Interfaith Council heard the leader of Big Sunday express appreciation for the more than 1,000 Orange County people of many communities who participated in some 70 projects to better serve the needs of our diverse county.

On Friday, Judea Pearl, the father of journalist Daniel Pearl, shared with us how he found transforming peace following the tragic loss of his son. His emotional and inspiring message helped us to reaffirm our commitment to the understanding and appreciation of the people of all faiths. The several interfaith councils in Orange County are dedicated to fostering the cooperation of different faith communities to improve the lives of all of our citizens.

Tom Thorkelson

Director of Interfaith Relations, Orange County Council

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Morning opening ceremonies of the Anatolian Cultures & Food Festival at the Great Park was a beautiful tapestry of peoples with rich diversities alongside equally varied governmental, educational and religious representatives.

Especially engaging for me were embraces with Jewish and Muslim and Mormon friends and colleagues.

I felt encouraged and prayed that those of us with Abrahamic faith in common might yet witness together to the God of history and holiness over against the gods of the market and materialism.

After celebrating noontime worship here, time with Episcopal comrades was given to prayerful consideration of how we will continue to do what we are called to do — feed, clothe and shelter those in need, visit the imprisoned and ill, and give glory and praise to our God of grace and love — in these times when financial and communal support is challenging.

Thanks for the blessing of family filled my evening.

(The Very Rev’d Canon) Peter D. Haynes

Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church

Corona del Mar