Churches across Hawai'i are joining in prayers for peace, hope and gratitude, part of a statewide Thanksgiving Eve effort.

The ecumenical effort, called E Pule Kakou, or Let Us Pray, has drawn together more than 150 places of worship, from Roman Catholic to evangelical to Protestant, said the Rev. Cal Chinen, senior pastor of Moanalua Gardens Missionary Church.

For those who don't have a home church in which to pray, Chinen said a service will be at 7 tonight at the state Capitol, with Roman Catholic Bishop Larry Silva and several Protestant clergy. Those who can't make the service also can pray at home: It will be televised live on Channel 26.

Chinen said he and others began visiting fellow clergy in May to bring about the combined energy of prayer to help cure the ills of Hawai'i — economic, crime, interpersonal relationships, to name a few.

"We're calling on all of Hawai'i to pray," he said. "We need prayer."

Among those on the list: New Hope Christian Fellowship, Word of Life Christian Center, Calvary Chapel and a host of others.

E Pule Kakou is an outgrowth of another project, United in Prayer, which had begun to wane, Chinen said. It was senior pastor Ralph Moore at Hope Chapel Kaneohe Bay who suggested hooking onto the bumper of churches that already have Thanksgiving Eve services, said Chinen.

"We know each church has its own tradition, its own style and culture. ... I believe that God is going to hear our prayers and we're going to see Hawai'i change," said Chinen.

Information: 839-4002 or www.epulekakou.com.