Amid violence, crime, inflation, economic concerns and a mix of multiple issues coupled with the divides ranging from politics to religion, Apostle Saint Mary Harris has completed the 13th annual Prayer Rally in Pine Bluff as the event’s founder.
As students prepare for a return to school, prayer continues to be the response and supreme focus to transform the culture and community back to God, according to a news release.
“I want people to see that God has already spoken in His Word and told us what it will take to change our city, state, and nation,” Harris said. “He asks for his people to come together and pray for the needs of our town, if we are going to see change.
“According to II Chronicles 7:14, He tells us what we must do. The plan God has for this city is a great one. He needs the body of Christ to come together on one accord and pray for various areas of concerns and trust that He will move on our behalf. We will see change during this 13th year that will uplift and make Pine Bluff a better representation of a Godly community.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Beginning as early as 3 a.m. on Aug. 3, people were moving about to get to the grounds of the Pine Bluff Civic Center to pray. The vision included engaging over more than 300 churches and ministries in the city.
By 6 a.m., the grounds were full of people who came to pray with and for Pine Bluff and surrounding cities.
Prayers were offered from more than 12 individuals representing ministers and intercessors along with Mayor Shirley Washington, Circuit Judge Earnest Brown and other distinguished guests from as far as Little Rock.
“We must realize that there is power in prayer,” Harris said. “This is the only way God can get involved in the affairs of His Creation, is that we pray. He tells us to pray without ceasing. We want Pine Bluff to be known all over the world as being that example of what God will do — if there are people who stand and pray for the conditions of our city. Our name in the city, state, and the world will represent the power of our God.
“Even as Queen Esther had an assignment in her day to save her people, our assignment is to pray for ‘such a time as this’ to see the Glory of God revealed in this city. A shift has occurred in the world, a shift like never before in government and all over the world. It’s going to take prayer to win this battle. Our government does not have the answer. Prayer is key for change for the Glory of God.”
To be a part of ongoing prayer services or for more details from the Prayer Rally: Apostle Harris, (870) 872-2196, or houseofbreaddeliverance.com.
A Prayer Rally is held outside the Pine Bluff Civic Center on Aug. 3, 2024. (Special to The Commercial)