output restrictions, visit bans, closed schools, shops and Restaurants: The Corona pandemic in Germany – as more and more parts of the world in its stranglehold.

The doctor of a Catholic theologian, book author and singer-songwriter John Hartl want to counter the dreariness something Positive and founded the Initiative “Germany prays together”. FOCUS Online broadcasts the prayer live on Wednesday, may 8. April, from 17.00 to 18.30 .

Using Google to God

The idea to “Germany prays together” came Hartl in a very mundane Situation: “I have seen in a statistics click statistics in the case of Google, the topics ‘prayer’ and ‘Prayer’ are rapidly gone to the top. I asked myself with a few friends, why actually not yet a collective call is made, ‘let’s but, as a community, pray together, and not alone. And so what was a small idea Bigger,“ explains Hartl. Within a day, a website was programmed and a date for a joint prayer found.

All further information on the Coronavirus in the News-Ticker of FOCUS Online.

Prime Minister Söder is the patron

John Hartl broadcasts live from the prayer house of Augsburg, which he operates for nine years (“since there prayed day and night”). The patron of the Live-action of the Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) is. His appeal: “he Who is a believer is not to pray that it hits Germany hard.”

dpa/Sven Hoppe Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Söder.

The non-commercial program, which is deliberately placed at the beginning of the Jewish Passover, was “a combination of a Zoom-prayer and a YouTube Stream” – with sung and spoken Prayers, Live greetings and video clips.

post by musician Peter Maffay

Hartl gets celebrity support: singer Peter Maffay is a recorded contribution, in which he describes what is for him in this hard time.

Hartl says: “A colourful programme, which should help people to feel embedded in a larger group of people who also believe and pray.”

FOCUS Online musicians and German rock icon Peter Maffay in his Studio on lake Starnberg

people from all denominations

The event, which will bear a “very strong Christian stars”, is aimed not only at believers of all faiths – everyone is welcome. “We hope that God listens to all prayers that come from an open heart. No matter, as prayed for, is good.“

I need help I want to help

in addition to Peter Maffay are several clergymen, such as Bishop Stefan Oster of Passau, and also Heiko Herrlich, football coach, FC Augsburg, wants to be involved.

Hartl: The crisis as a Chance to looks new to be grateful

The corona crisis, which is forcing so many people into Isolation and freedom, Hartl as an opportunity. “I advise them to only see the Bad. Me, personally, it’s annoying also, I love to travel and go to Restaurants, but I believe that the limitations make us more aware of the incredible freedom, security and availability of luxury we normally live.“

to strengthen the sense of Community he felt as a theologian, in this exceptional Situation, such as Germany you have experienced in the Form: “I believe that it’s a Chance to focus on the Essentials, too new to be grateful and reflect on what life offers for opportunities.”

Hartl power is of great concern to the economic situation of the country: “I pray for the politicians to have a wise Consider the different hazards. I envy you not a question.“

The suspension of fundamental rights, he viewed with mixed feelings: “I believe that the state acts at the moment, rightly so, how he acts. But we should have as liberal-democratic citizens are keeping a close eye on what concerns the respect of fundamental rights. Exceptions must remain exceptions.“

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