National Day of Prayer celebrated

By Daniel Wolowicz danielw@theacorn.com

Last week, 350 Conejo Valley residents, some holding Bibles, others wearing yarmulkes, took part in the National Day of Prayer at the Hyatt Westlake in Westlake Village.

Local clergy from various religious denominations led topical prayers during the early morning event hosted by the Southeast Ventura County YMCA. Richard Rush, president of Cal State Channel Islands, was the keynote speaker, and Jim Bruno, a Westlake Village council member, was the master of ceremonies.

"A presidential call for a ‘National Day of Prayer’ is a plea, not a summons. We are invited to pray, not compelled," said Pastor Tom Brewer of Agoura Bible Fellowship.

The National Day of Prayer began in 1952 as a joint a resolution signed by Congress and President Truman. President Reagan amended the resolution in 1986, setting the Day of Prayer on the first Thursday of May. The YMCA has hosted the event locally for six years.

"Locally, the day brings the community together in a rich and rewarding setting," Rush said. "And nationally, hopefully, it will help us get beyond just our local community and reach out to others around us."

This year’s theme, "God shed his grace on thee," was featured in prayers made for the armed forces and public safety workers, caregivers, families, the disenfranchised, the nation, world peace and political leaders.

"True prayer demands concrete involvement in trying to bring about what is asked for," said Sister Lisa Magaffin in a prelude to her prayer for the disenfranchised. "Perhaps our own prayer is empty because it is mere lip-service rather than the conversion of heart and choices that will bring answers to our petitions. I must give skin to my prayer for the disenfranchised by my concrete actions on their behalf."

Vocalist Tricia Davis performed a heartfelt rendition of "Better Is One Day," a hymn inspired by Psalm 84. Davis shared with the audience that the song was a prayer she referred to often after her 13-year-old daughter, Hannah, died unexpectedly from the flu in December 2003.

"We sang it at Hannah’s memorial service," Davis said. "It’s very special to me."

"The event was the most invigorating, fulfilling experience I’ve had in community service," Bruno said. Bruno added that he truly enjoyed the morning prayer because it was a moment of community solidarity free of the "political posturing" typically found in city government.

Headed by Kathy Perkinson, a member of the YMCA board of directors, the 10-person committee spent the past 11 months planning the day.

"Last year, we had 230 people attend and 17 sponsors," said Jerry Adams, a member of the planning committee. "This year, we had 350 people and over 40 sponsors. I think that’s a sure sign of good work done by Kathy."

Perkinson said the 49 sponsors help keep the price for the event, which includes a continental breakfast, to $10.

Preparation for next year’s National Day of Prayer starts in a few weeks, according to Perkinson.