I personally believe that bringing together national leaders in the religious community to pray together in appreciation of the wealth and material blessings of the society is commendable. Unless we are a nation of disbelievers who do not see any need to show gratitude to the Creator, then prayer services are to be expected.

Another reason why prayer is needed is to show appreciation for our collective endeavor to serve our families and communities throughout the country in the firm hope that life without sacrifice is empty and cooperation without celebration of the good and the bad in this life is meaningless.

Since the beginning of this republic many an American has looked up to the heavens and sang praises to the Almighty. This pattern of expressing joy and gratitude will not disappear from this land. Our presidents have made it a part of their political discourses in their national addresses and many of our religious leaders do not hesitate a moment to send this message to their congregations. Whenever these national leaders come together they reaffirm the collective American interest in thanking their Creator. They also reinforce the collective American recognition of the precarious nature of our existence and the primacy of hope and the life-inspiring power of prayers.

As an American Muslim I join other Americans in prayer at this time in our history.
I pray that Allah (God), the Creator of heaven and earth and the Master of the Day of Judgment, will guide our leaders and inspire Americans and other human beings to appreciate the power of love and the moral imperative of personal and collective responsibility.

In my humble way I call upon Him to accept the prayers of all of us who care to pray, and to accept the inner feelings and thoughts of those who remain silent and quiet in their appreciation of the material success of their homeland and the absence of pain and terror in their daily lives.