Choir joins Annual 24-Hour Chant for Peace

24-Hour Chant for Peace 2010

In the serene setting of the Great Vow Zen Monastery in Clatskanie, OR, over 50 people from different religious traditions participated in a 24-Hour Chant for Peace on August 7, 2010. Co-sponsored by the Northwest Dharma Association and the Buddhist Peace Fellowship, this annual gathering is open to the public and provides an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to share their hopes and prayers for peace. 

Nine members of the Ladder for the Soul Baha'i Choir traveled from Portland and Eugene to participate in the Chant. They led the participants in singing several prayers from the Baha’i Writings. One of the selections, "Hear Our Prayer, O Lord" was a song the Choir learned recently at the Fourth Annual Choral Music Festival at the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. (View video.) 

Participants in this year's Chant for Peace were asked to write their prayers for peace on small pieces of paper that were then rolled, tied and secured in a container inside the base of a new shrine tower being built on the monastery property. One of the Baha’is offered this prayer: 

"O my God! O my God! Unite the hearts of Thy servants, and reveal to them Thy great purpose. May they follow Thy commandments and abide in Thy law. Help them, O God, in their endeavor, and grant them strength to serve Thee. O God! Leave them not to themselves, but guide their steps by the light of Thy knowledge, and cheer their hearts by Thy love. Verily, Thou art their Helper and their Lord."

—Bahá'u'lláh