Raised hands, bowed heads

The messages were many at the 14th annual statewide Worship and Prayer Watch on Sunday at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School.

And those messages were repeated often by nearly 20 speakers throughout the two-hour gathering.

Be strong.

Be courageous.

Have faith.

“God is doing great and might things,” said Delia Astrologio of Kauai Prayer Watch and an organizer.

“Aren’t you glad our island is focused on prayer?” she added. “Something is happening on our island.”

About 60 people attended the Worship and Prayer Watch that was part of a statewide event. They sang, they raised their hands high, they bowed their heads and some got down on their knees on a rainy afternoon.

Their efforts were aimed at covering the Hawaiian Islands in prayer.

“Prayer is important and we know that God is moved by prayer,” Astrologio said.

People took turns, about three minutes each, leading prayers for different areas. They prayed for the military, for education, for businesses, for government and for youth. They prayed for repentance, evangelism and churches.

Some, like Pastor Monica Zenger of Kings Chapel and Pastor Vill Galiza of Aloha Church, offered passionate prayers, speaking loudly and boldly and punctuating their points with clenched fists. Some were a more reserved, praying softly with bowed heads and reciting Bible verses.

What mattered, though, was what came from the heart.

“The most important part is the spirit of unity and the body of Christ coming together,” said Pastor Larry Matsuwaki. “Pray together and stay together.”

Sheila Ringor, chairman of Moms in Prayer, prayed for families, love and unity.

“We need to be the flame of fire through prayer,” she said.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. opened his prayer for government by singing: “God will make a way, where there seems to be no way.”

Carvalho has been involved in Kauai County government 33 years, the last 10 as mayor. There have been many challenges, he said, and it’s then that he knew he must stay committed and focused.

“I always know where I have to turn to,” he said.

He spoke of the spirit of love and aloha and prayed for a spiritual connection, from the White House in Washington, D.C., to the Hawaii Capitol on Oahu.

“At the end of the day, it’s about the people,” he said.

Astrologio said the Worship and Prayer Watch is a great way to start the new year. Prayer, she said, unites strangers and friends with a common purposes.

“I believe it has brought us together,” she said.