Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford Joins Faith Leaders for National Day of Prayer Breakfast

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford today joined faith leaders from across Maryland for a prayer breakfast at Crowne Plaza Annapolis to celebrate the National Day of Prayer. Established in 1952, the National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May that brings together all faiths to pray for the nation. This year, more than 90 faith leaders representing faith communities from around the world gathered in fellowship and prayer, reflecting on this year’s theme of “Embracing the Future Together.”

“The National Day of Prayer brings together people of all faiths to pray for our communities and celebrates our continued commitment to the acceptance and promotion of diversity in Maryland,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “As we reflect on the theme of Embracing the Future Together, we are reminded that although our faiths may differ, we are united in our resolve to contribute to our communities, help our neighbors, and change Maryland for the better.”

Musical selections were performed by renowned recording artist Wintley Phipps and flutist Ashley Watkins. Prayers for the five centers of influence – Family, Government, State, Places of Worship, and the United States of America were led by:

• Family: Bishop Gregory Dennis, Kingdom Worship Center
• Government: Priest Chandrakant Chove, Shri Mangal Mandir
• State: Rabbi Adam J. Raskin, Congregation Har Shalom
• Places of Worship: Pastor John Odukoya, Fountain Community Church
• United States of America: Imam Faizul Khan, Islamic Society of the Washington Area

“On this National Day of Prayer, we celebrate the incredible diversity of faith we enjoy in Maryland, as well as the many things that unite us,” said Lt. Governor Rutherford. “Today, we come together to pray for the future of our state and recognize our shared commitment to making our communities better for the next generation.”