The Prayer Vigil for the Earth

1993 - 2012

Washington, DC

Experience community          Embrace peace
Empower the next generation

As a seed of living prayer, The Prayer Vigil for the Earth wove a seamless tapestry of many traditions through collective experiences of faith.  Held every fall near the Washington Monument or Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC from 1993 to 2012, the Prayer Vigil remains an icon of spirituality in the United States’ capital. People of diverse faiths, culture, ethnic background and ages came together to practice peace with self, peace with others, and peace with the Earth. The host tradition was Native American and, at their suggestion, was joined by spiritual leaders and representatives from all major faiths. A sacred fire burned continuously in the center of a circle of Christian and African altars, tipis, a Jewish sukkah, a Buddhist stupa, a Prayer Grove, a labyrinth, a children’s activity area, and other structures.  The tipis and various sacred structures stood as symbols of spiritual community amidst the nation’s prominent monuments. The Prayer vigil for the Earth continues to spiritually exemplify and inspire the joy, wonder and benefits of mutual respect, cooperation, and discovery.  May the seed it planted flourish in our nation and around the world.
For beautiful photos and text, please visit the Gallery tab to access photos from many years, several videos, and the Prayer Vigil song mentioned in the side bar. Or, click Zenfolio to go directly to the photos. Bill Sanda, our photographer, has added explanatory captions to each photo in many sections. Some may be interested in the Spiritual Context for the event. See Background tab for Native American Prophecies, Creation Stories, and participant testimonials.

The Prayer Vigil remained a 100% volunteer event for 20 years with all services, logistics, and support donated by the participants and its supporters.

The Prayer Vigil for the Earth