Reflections and Actions: Multi-Faith Prayer Service for Unity and Hope

On November 12th, a diverse group of faith leaders and community members gathered at St. Paul & St. Andrew United Methodist Church in New York City for a moving multi-faith prayer service, a part of the Unity Walk initiative. The event, which followed the recent U.S. elections, sought to bring together people of different backgrounds to reflect on the challenges of our time and to inspire collective action for a better world.

The evening began with the Unity Walk, a symbolic journey from Union Theological Seminary to the church, as participants walked in solidarity, holding banners and candles, embodying a shared commitment to peace and justice. The air buzzed with conversations about resilience, hope, and the power of coming together in the face of uncertainty.

Inside the church, the prayer service unfolded with two thematic sections: Reflection and Call to Action. A diverse lineup of speakers and performers—representing various religious traditions—delivered heartfelt prayers, songs, and messages, filling the sacred space with an energy that was both introspective and empowering.

Sunita Viswanath, Executive Director of Hindus for Human Rights, offered a prayer during the Reflection segment. Speaking to a crowd grappling with fear and hopelessness after the elections, Sunita shared a meditation on Lord Ganesha, the Hindu deity of wisdom and remover of obstacles:

"I was raised by parents who told me that Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity, the son of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati, never refuses children. I’m not a child, but I still go to Lord Ganesha in my more broken moments, with the prayers of a child."

She described the symbolic meaning behind Ganesha’s form, encouraging everyone to embrace listening, focus, discernment, balance, and sacrifice in their own lives. Sunita’s prayer was a call for perseverance and compassion amidst escalating global crises:

"At this time of deep division, fear, and anxiety, and escalating wars and genocides, we must listen to each other, think for ourselves and discern, maintain steady focus, deal with the challenges head-on, make sacrifices, and move forward with as much balance and equanimity as we can muster."

She concluded with a Sanskrit prayer to Lord Ganesha, invoking peace:

Vakratunda Mahakaya
Surya Koti Samaprabha
Nirvighna Kurumedeva
Sarva saaryessu Sarvada.
(Oh Lord Ganesha of curved trunk and large body; Brilliant as infinite suns; May our work be free of all obstacles.)

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
(Om peace peace peace)

The service’s Call to Action section ignited the room with powerful messages about activism and interfaith solidarity. Leaders urged participants to move beyond fear and into courageous action, advocating for social justice, environmental stewardship, and the protection of human rights.

As the evening drew to a close, attendees left with renewed hope, energized by the collective spirit of unity and determination to address the pressing challenges of today. The event was a testament to the strength of community and the transformative power of shared reflection and action.

Together, let us continue to walk, pray, and act for a more just and compassionate world.