‘Hour of Prayer’ brings various faiths, religions together to pray for the city
Apostle Gloria Samuels leads prayer duing the Hour of Prayer and Inspiration on Friday, April 10.
On Friday, April 10, Mayor Allen Joines brought more than a dozen faith leaders together when he hosted an online Hour of Prayer and Inspiration.
During the event, which aired live on the city’s YouTube channel, 15 different faith leaders took turns leading prayer and speaking words of encouragement. The event brought a wide variety of faiths together including Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, Hindu, Islam, Baha’i, and others.
An unofficial count of viewers during the Hour of Prayer and Inspiration topped 450 viewers.
When discussing the event, Mayor Allen Joines mentioned he issued a proclamation marking 10 a.m. as the official “Hour of Prayer” across the city. He said while we may be going through hard times, we are a strong community and we will endure.
“This is a difficult time for us. It’s perhaps the most difficult time our community has experienced in a long time,” Joines continued. “Personally I feel like my life is upside down and I’m sure you probably feel the same way. But we are a strong city; we’re a strong people, a people of beliefs and faith.”
Joines said no matter what our denomination, faith or beliefs may be, in times of struggle or uncertainty, it is important that we come together as a community.
“No matter what our faiths are, what our beliefs are, what our denominations are, it seems to me that it’s very appropriate that we come together,” said Joines.
“As we pause and give thanks for the many blessings that we have and to thank those who are serving us every day to keep us safe and to pray for those who are suffering due to this pandemic.”
At the time of publication, the Hour of Prayer and Inspiration had nearly 2,000 views. To view the Hour of Prayer and Inspiration, visit “City of Winston-Salem” on YouTube.
