Following the World Health Organization’s declaration of coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic, a California-based tech and media firm aspired to unite people – globally – online in prayer.
The Bay area firm, One Planet, dedicated 10 full-time engineers, designers and other professionals to get its Web site, LightUpTheWorld.org, online quickly.
The purpose of the Web site is to accommodate the human need to come together – regardless of one’s background – during this global health crisis.
LightUpTheWorld.org enables people globally to unite in a continuous prayer chain that will go on until the current collective suffering caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) has ended.
Visitors to the site will be able to see in real-time when someone offers a prayer or a positive reflection for the world.
“We are one humanity and we collectively are experiencing suffering, loss and uncertainty,” said Chief Executive Officer Payam Zamani. “… I believe that prayer is a powerful spiritual force.
“This Web site is a vehicle for us all to come together to actually experience someone from around the world saying a prayer or offering a positive reflection.
“It’s wonderful to know that you’re not alone. Someone else out there is saying a prayer right now, for your well-being, for our collective well-being.”
LightUpTheWorld.org shows a continuous spinning globe. A light will shine on a location indicating where a prayer is being offered at that moment.
Visitors to the site can select a time to offer a prayer, positive message or a link to an inspirational video or music.
The prayers in the queue will be offered in real-time by the person who has signed up for the specific time slot.
One Planet’s LightUpTheWorld.org is purely a humanitarian effort. “The purpose of it is very simple, it’s just to show love,” Zamani said.
People from all religious or nonreligious backgrounds are welcome to offer a prayer or inspirational reflection on LightUpTheWorld.org.
Few, if any, events in modern history have made humanity feel so connected and appreciative of its oneness; and technology has helped everyone come together more easily to connect, pray and send support in real-time.
“As we collectively experience this crisis, we are hopeful, as history has proven, that this event too will be followed by victories,” Zamani said.
LightUpTheWorld.org also has a page that lists reputable non-profit organizations along with links to send donations during the COVID-19 pandemic.