Huddled in a circle, eyes closed and voices rising into a swaying breeze so all could hear, 15 brothers and sisters in Christ gathered in downtown Durham this past Sunday to ask God to open the hearts, minds, and doors of the community to help those in need.

“We pray that compassion be among us, to be in us, to go through us,” said Dr. Deborah Boston, a leader at Mt. Level Missionary Baptist Church and its Community Partnership for Racial Justice, a Blacknall ministry partner. “We pray for you to meet the needs of our community in Durham, across our country, and the world. Have mercy to help us.”

People from Mt. Level, Blacknall, King’s Park International Church, and even unchurched Christians came together as part of a monthly “Community Prayer for Racial Justice.” The event has taken place since June, offering a time of confession, lament, and asking God for guidance in caring for our neighbors. During this most recent service, the group prayed for compassion amid political and community division, healing for people in need of healthcare, and comfort for those displaced and affected by Tropical Storm Chantal, which caused historic flooding and an estimated $42 million in damages. As they gathered, vulnerable nearby residents in need of help joined them, receiving prayer and food.

“It’s important for us to gather together to pray because the pain of racial injustice has not disappeared from our city or our nation,” said Associate Pastor Dave Dunderdale. “Jesus commands us to cry out for justice just like the persistent widow cries out to the unjust judge (Luke 18:1-8). It’s important for us to cry out for justice not only as individuals but together as the Body of Christ, affirming that when one suffers, we all suffer.”

All are invited to join our next prayer session, which will take place on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 3 p.m.