Happening now: Day of Prayer gathering at Alki

Sunny evening on Alki as representatives of at least 10 local churches gather to lead the National Day of Prayer rally at Statue of Liberty Plaza. Jonathan Stumpf, covering it for WSB, sent that cameraphone photo and will have more visuals/info later.

ADDED EARLY TUESDAY: Jonathan reports more than 100 people participated. Among the clergy who spoke/prayed, Pastor Ken Ross of Arbor Heights Community Church, praying on behalf of “the media,” which by his definition early in this clip, includes people who use Twitter:

Jonathan reports that other prayer subjects during the event included: military and national leaders, state and local leaders, business, education/youth, families/marriage, the West Seattle community, and church/pastors.

There were performances as well as prayers:

The National Day of Prayer is designated by presidential proclamation – but a court fight under way could potentially end that.

fj May 6, 2010 (7:55 pm)

oh yeah! It’s time for National Day of Wishing again.

OP May 6, 2010 (11:32 pm)

Funny how this day coincides with the unofficial National Day of Liberal Religious Intolerance. Which is pretty much every day.

JanS May 6, 2010 (11:53 pm)

OP, are you saying that people who are considered liberals in your book are guilty of being intolerant towards all religions? Could you clarify what you mean exactly?

charlabob May 7, 2010 (12:44 am)

If this was called the National Day of Christian Prayer, at least the organizers would be honest.

http://motherjones.com/mojo/2008/04/holy-wars-evangelicals-attempt-exclude-non-christians-national-day-prayer

Mike May 7, 2010 (6:47 am)

I don’t see any Buddhist monks at that event, did any of the event organizers reach out to the local temples?
.
Personally I find it ridiculous that a day is recognized by the Federal government for religious purposes at all.

Meghan May 7, 2010 (7:49 am)

Having a national day of prayer is ridiculous. Pray on your own – with whomever you want to pray with. But leave the government out of it. It’s sad that even the president has to pander to the “Christian” majority in this country.

k2 May 7, 2010 (8:32 am)

great separation of church and state George W.

no law should touch religion.

Barb May 7, 2010 (9:52 am)

So much sarcasm. Do you folks read this blog so you can show how clever you think you are? I am tired of the smug, sarcastic remarks..

Lucky chick May 7, 2010 (10:04 am)

Yeah, I find this so frustrating. Why do we pander to those people who believe in some god, and a very specific christian god at that? I often wonder whether our political leaders are really atheists and just need to pretend to believe in a god because so many Americans need to do so (and need to justify their beliefs by convincing themselves that they are widely shared – which they are *sigh*)?

Ugh, get it OUT of government!!

AnotherIdiotInWS May 7, 2010 (10:13 am)

I don’t think anyone needs to worry too much. Take a second look – there aren’t too many people “into it” from what I can see. Half that “crowd” is the leadership – the other half seem bored. :-)

Barb May 7, 2010 (12:06 pm)

Does this make you feel good?

fj May 7, 2010 (4:37 pm)

Barb:
yes.

anonyme May 8, 2010 (7:50 am)

Completely, totally unconstitutional.

Annie Phillips May 8, 2010 (8:17 am)

I agree with Mike. Our nation was founded by people fleeing from religious persecution. There should be no link between the government and religion of any kind.

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