05/16/2026
*** NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER ***
The Cedar Area Interfaith Alliance (CAIFA) held its annual National Day of Prayer gathering on May 7 at Community Presbyterian Church in Cedar City.
Pastor Schuyler Rhodes, ecclesiastical leader of Community Presbyterian Church, welcomed attendees and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the event. “I cannot express the humble joy we feel at being able to host this event,” Rhodes said. “You are all welcome here as we lift our hearts to God together. For us as Christian communities united in God’s love, our prayers transcend national boundaries and call us to healing and reconciliation in a world that sorely needs it. May God bless our time together and our shared commitment to Jesus Christ and his love.”
Themes of unity, healing, and faith were echoed throughout the evening through music and prayer.
Hannah Akins, president-elect of CAIFA, shared historical remarks about the National Day of Prayer during her opening comments. “I recently learned that the National Day of Prayer, though signed into law in 1952, traces its roots back to 1775, when the Continental Congress called for a day of prayer before our nation was even officially established,” Akins said. “That means tonight we are participating in a tradition 250 years old — a tradition woven into the earliest chapters of our country’s story. It feels especially significant as communities across the nation, including our own here in Cedar City, prepare to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.” Akins continued, “Milestones like these invite reflection. They remind us that throughout every generation — through seasons of triumph and hardship, celebration and uncertainty — people have continually gathered in moments much like this one to pause, seek wisdom, and turn their attention toward something greater than themselves.”
Music for the evening was provided by The Late Bloomers, the Cedar Area Interfaith Choir, the CPC Praise Band, SideNote, Sydney Rasmussen, and Patrick Summers.
Prayers were offered by Greg Powell, former president of CAIFA; Mayor Steve Nelson, who prayed for the community; Father Martin Diaz, Christ the King Catholic Church, who prayed for families; Pastor Rhodes, who prayed for the nation; and Delinda Fiatoa, Care Minister, True Life Center, who concluded the event with the benediction.
The flag ceremony was conducted by Scouting America Troop #74 under the direction of Jen Shipley.
In closing remarks, Akins reflected on the significance of the evening’s gathering. “Tonight has been a reminder that even in a fast-moving and often divided world, there is still something deeply meaningful about people gathering together with a shared spirit of reflection, gratitude, and hope, and simply being with one another as a community,” she said. “It’s encouraging to see people from different backgrounds, churches, and generations come together. Gatherings like this remind us that even small moments of connection can have lasting impact.”
CAIFA greatly appreciates all who attended and participated in the event.
