The sonorous thumping of a drum filled the air, followed by the soft whistle of a flute. A song of prayer washed over me, then came the gentle recitation of a blessing.

I stood reverently in the corner watching and listening on the floor 8 pediatric critical care unit.

A Native American healer played the drum and flute as he went room to room. A Greek Orthodox priest sang hymns. An African American preacher stretched his arms wide, then clasped his hands in prayer, softly speaking his blessings.

Similar blessings were taking place on every floor of the new Helen DeVos Children's Hospital and I could feel the collective power of the faith leaders assembled.

More than 50 religious leaders from the region participated in the multi-faith blessing, coordinated by Spectrum Health manager of pastoral care, The Reverend Steve Van Heest.  I felt I could see a story in every face and I marveled at the diversity of race and gender and their dress and customs. Some wore resplendent robes, stoles and hats, others wore formal suits and collar. A cantor played a harmonium, an ancient instrument that looked like an accordion in a box.

First Rev. Van Heest  gathered the clergy together in the lobby and lead the group in a responsorial prayer. (Read the prayer.)

The harmony of their voices filled the space as they prayed together. Then in small groups they went off to follow Rev. Van Heest's directive: bless each floor, each room, each healing space, all of the equipment and instruments of care. Each faith leader was invited to perform this blessing according to their own traditions.

Later when the clergy gathered in the floor 11 chapel Rev. Van Heest asked each to offer a one word wish: "peace," "healing," "community," "caring," were some of the wishes I heard.

Then I noticed the beautiful blue of the sky through the chapel skylight and felt all of the prayers and wishes for our new children's hospital had been heard.  I felt that the building was fuller than it had been earlier that day and definitely more ready for our youngest, most vulnerable patients to enter its doors to be healed.