Community Members Gather for National Day of Prayer

Comanche Nation Tribal Historic Preservation Office and Medical Center coordinated the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 2, at Watchetaker Hall.

This is the first year the Comanche Nation has gathered for National Day of Prayer, which, according to Comanche Nation Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Martina Minthorn, Congress approved the first Thursday in May to be recognized for National Day of Prayer.

“We are going to be gathering just to be able to come together, pray and meditate, and just pray for our country, pray for one another, pray for our leaders, pray for our environment,” she said. “Our people were always praying people. We knew about the Ahpʉ before we had Christianity, and so we were always thankful and we prayed. Prayed for our food, prayed for one another, looked out for one another, we’re good to one another.”

Historic Preservation usually hosts the National Prayer for Sacred Site Protection.

“That's kind of why we were invited to help participate this year because of our participation in prayer and with our hymn-singing events that we have,” Minthorn said. “And so, we're just thankful to be able to bring everybody together and unite on this specific day. Across the country, churches, different places are having vigils for this event today.”

She said they’re thankful the youth joined the event.

“They've been participating and being able to learn our tribal hymns, and so this is something that is speaking our language and we're proud,” Minthorn said.

IAMNDN and Comanche Academy Charter School participated in the National Day of Prayer.

“They both are award winners at the University of Oklahoma Language Fair and so it's just good to see what our young people are doing today and so uplifting and being able to understand what these songs actually mean,” she said. “I know a lot of songs, but I don't know what they mean, but I feel that holy spirit, and I'm just thankful, you know, to have grown up in church, and so I want our kids to be able to understand the importance of what prayer can do in their lives.”

Comanche Nation Princess Bluesky Tosee and Jr. Princess Arlene Schonchin signed the Lord’s Prayer. Schonchin also signed “Amazing Grace.”

A meal was also served and sponsored by the Comanche Nation medical programs.