Prayer focus turns to peace

As Imam Sayed Moustafa al-Qazwini leads congregants in a prayer for the state government during Thursday’s Newport Mesa Irvine Interfaith Council National Day of Prayer breakfast, he will also be thinking of his cousin, who was killed last week in a car bombing in Iraq.

Bringing together community members of a variety of faiths for collective prayer, council organizers said there is much to pray for this year, both on a local and international scale.

“I am going to pray for more wisdom for our political leaders in their numerous challenges, especially the biggest challenge in Iraq,” al-Qazwini said. “By creating a climate of harmony and understanding among the followers of various religions, we can bring about peace in our community and also other communities who are suffering the bloodshed and the war.”

More than 50 years after President Harry Truman signed a bill proclaiming the National Day of Prayer into law, members of the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Baha’i and Unitarian Universalist communities — or what the council’s executive director Jim de Boom refers to as the Heinz 57 of religions — will participate in the interfaith group’s 10th annual gathering.

“We hope the event will lift up the importance of our shared belief in God and demonstrate concern for understanding and justice and peace,” said Dennis Short, council president.

Olympic gold medalist and inspirational speaker Peter Vidmar will give the keynote address at Thursday’s event, and Costa Mesa City Councilwoman Katrina Foley will lead a flag salute.

Local religious and community leaders will guide attendees in prayers for the family, community, state, nation and world.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Newport Mesa Irvine Interfaith Council’s National Day of Prayer breakfast

WHEN: 7 to 8:45 a.m. Thursday

WHERE: Balboa Bay Club and Resort, 1221 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach

COST: $25

INFO: Go to www.nmiinterfaith.org or call (714) 921-8665.

Local National Day of Prayer events

TODAY

All-Church National Day of Prayer Event

6:45 p.m. in the sanctuary at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 600 St. Andrew’s Road, Newport Beach.

Church leaders and laity will offer prayers for our nation and the leaders of the world.

For more information, go to www.standrewspres.org or call (949) 631-2880.

THURSDAY

National Day of Prayer Call

2 to 5 a.m.

The Florida-based Missionaries of Prayer invite the nation to participate in their telephone prayer conference by calling (712) 580-0100 and entering access code 174729. A listen-only line is available at (605) 772-3500, access code 441984185.

For more information, go to www.missionariesofprayer.org .

Community National Day of Prayer

Noon to 1 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 2850 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa.

Costa Mesa Mayor Allan Mansoor and other community leaders will join the congregation as they pray for our nation, families and soldiers.

For more information, go to www.pccov.org or call (714) 557-3340.

Church and Community Noontime National Day of Prayer Observance

Noon to 1 p.m. at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, 3800 S. Fairview Road, Santa Ana.

Calvary pastors expect a large crowd as they lead community members in prayer to commemorate the day, as they have done since 1994.

For more information, go to www.calvarychapelcostamesa.com or call (714) 979-4422.