[KHTS] – Santa Clarita residents of all faiths and perspectives can come together for a prayer circle May 1 on the National Day of Prayer.

Members of the Santa Clarita Valley Interfaith Council, which has representatives from a variety of religions, are holding their annual National Day of Prayer Interfaith Prayer Circle, council officials announced Wednesday.

“The SCV Interfaith Council is a multifaith organization, and we look for opportunities to bring different faiths and perspectives together, not only to cooperate with each other but to reach out and help each other,” said Jonathan Kraut, the council’s president. “The National Day of Prayer is a time where we gather every year and allow each person, if they wish, to say a little something about supporting our leaders and our community, neighborhood and country.”

The event is taking place after the Mayors Prayer Breakfast, which also is held annually on the National Day of Prayer. It’s sponsored by the Dunamis Group, a local Christian business group.

While both events are being held in recognition of the National Day of Prayer, there is no affiliation between the two.

Prayer circle attendees are given the opportunity to state their name and faith group, followed by a short prayer, Kraut said. Anyone who wants to be present in the circle, but does not wish to speak may pass their turn on to the next person.

“We’re all together as equals,” he said. “Just the connection and feeling of everyone together in harmony has a profound effect on everyone there… It’s the most inspirational and fulfilling half-hour of the year for me.”

The Interfaith Council plans to gather in the east parking area adjacent to Santa Clarita City Hall, which is located at 23920 Valencia Blvd, at 12:30 p.m. on May 1, and no RSVP is necessary.

“We hope that people will show up and be with us,” Kraut said. “Everyone is welcome.”