
AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MOREOregon Ducks football players get stuck on Disney ride during Rose Bowl eventUnlike the Valley Interfaith Council’s panel discussions on spiritual practices, a question-and-answer opportunity won’t be part of the prayer program. Instead, one of the 90-minute event’s goals will be to create an oasis of peace. An annual day of prayer was created by proclamation of the Continental Congress in 1775; in 1952, Congress established a National Day of Prayer. In 1988, President Reagan permanently set the observance for the first Thursday of every May. “Prayer is the act and art of listening to the sacred, divine or God. It has something of value to offer us,” said the Rev. John Capellaro of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, where this year’s program will be held. “I think prayer is not speaking but listening. Prayer can be life-giving and where we become better people.” Downs said National Day of Prayer events might raise concerns about the use of a public facility for a religious event. But as a member of the local chapter of Separation of Church and State, he dedicates his prayer on this annual event to “loving my neighbor as myself.” “If you’ve felt a bit uncomfortable with some of the divisive comments reported in the news lately from some religious leaders,” Downs said, “then this interfaith gathering will be more to your liking.” STUDIO CITY – Whether you simply fold your hands to pray or use a tingsha, singing bowl, rosary, siddur, azan clock, mala, sage prayer stick, icon or mantra, the Valley Interfaith Council is inviting community involvement in its seventh annual Interfaith National Day of Prayer on Thursday evening. “Valley Interfaith Council has always stressed interfaith and getting together. This event will be inclusive of many religious viewpoints,” said program organizer Bill Downs. “Everyone has something uplifting to share at our evening.” The program will include speakers from various faiths who will discuss their prayer traditions and share one or two prayers. When a parishioner asks Capellaro about prayer or how to pray, he said he asks them what is important in their life? What a new mom needs from prayer, he said, is going to be different from the needs of a 75-year-old man. Capellaro suggests introducing prayer into one’s daily life in simple ways, such as by saying a blessing at the dinner table or reading a daily devotional. His church offers two opportunities each week to join a “centering prayer” group. “(Participants) are given the `permission to be silent’ for a half-hour,” Capellaro said. “Community prayer experience can be very powerful.” “Interfaith Day of Prayer,” 7-9 p.m. Thursday, St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 3646 Coldwater Canyon Ave., Studio City. Call (818) 718-6460, Ext. 3001, or see www.vic-la.org. holly.andres@dailynews.com (818) 713-3708160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set!
