This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

Runyon Canyon Prayer Box a 'Work of Love' for Weho Stylist

Style Network host Jeannie Mai's elaborately decorated wooden work of art is frequented by countless hikers.

West Hollywood resident Jeannie Mai is a celebrity stylist and the host of the Style Network show How Do I Look, but she's done more for people than help them dress their best.

About two years ago, Mai set up a prayer box in Runyon Canyon. What started out as humble cardboard shoe box has grown into an elaborate painted structure, with the help of community members. The box encourages people to reach out to others for help, and for people to add those in need to their prayers.

Mai spent a recent Sunday afternoon hiking in Runyon Canyon to visit the box. It has become a routine. She leaves paper in it so people can jot down their prayers or pick up a prayer and pray for someone else.

Find out what's happening in West Hollywoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“The prayer box is a work of love,” Mai said. “It’s kind of a community effort.”

It almost takes an act of faith to get to the box itself. Mai intentionally placed it on a summit that can only be reached from an unpaved, steep, narrow trail. The trek is not for the faint of heart.

Find out what's happening in West Hollywoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“It’s for people who yearn to overcome and push themselves to get to the top,” Mai said. “It’s really triumphant to get to the top and look over the city, and you realize you can make it to the top. It’s a moment of self-reward.”

It was while making his own journey to the top that James Thompson first stumbled upon the box. Thompson, who lives in Hollywood, designed the new box, held down by a cement block. It is actually the fourth box. The first three were vandalized or taken down, Mai said.

“Based on the amount of energy exerted by those who are continuously trying to destroy the box, I can't help but feel that those people are in need of prayer themselves,” Thompson said.

Mai affectionately refers to the newest one as Prayer Box 4.0. Mary Fox, who lives in West Hollywood, walks by the box twice a week. She said she has no problem with it.

“It’s not totally about religion,” Fox said. “It’s about something to give people hope. It means a lot to some people, and if people are offended by it, they should just walk by.”

The newest prayer box was painted by artist Fabian Rodriguez. It features intricate designs and a “Prayer for Peace.”

“I included the 'Prayer for Peace' not just for world peace, but that it may also inspire peace within that person that may be going through turmoil or difficult times in their life,” Rodriguez said. “Regardless of what happens to the outside of the box through weather, wear and tear or vandalism, the message is the same, and nothing can change that.”

Mai hopes the prayer box will bring together and encourage people from all walks of life, no matter what their religion.

“I want people to be connected,” Mai said. “All of us have our problems and issues, and it helps to know that someone can help, and pray it forward.”

Follow West Hollywood Patch on Twitter and Facebook for more updates, tips and news.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from West Hollywood