Area pastors, civic leaders, churches, and religious organizations are gathering together to “Pray for Bogalusa.” The prayer event will be held in Cassidy Park on Saturday, Nov. 7, beginning at 10 a.m.

The purposes of the event is to draw all of Christ’s followers together to pray specifically for the community and the challenges it faces, to speak with one voice as a community of faith to the power of God for change and transformation, and to encourage all believers to make praying for Bogalusa a fervent and dedicated prayer emphasis in their own lives.

Organizers believe many of the challenges the community faces are, at their root, spiritual problems in need of spiritual answers. One of the organizers is the Rev. Greg Whaley, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Bogalusa.

“Revivals have always had at their core a communal recognizing of repentance (a turning away) from sin,” Whaley said. “We know that God loves Bogalusa and we desire to state this truth with a unified voice. That is why we are inviting churches across our city to participate.

“We believe Jesus is the answer, and while we may practice our faith in important and differing ways, all those who claim Jesus as Lord can stand together and light the path of hope in Him for our community.”

The theme verse for the event comes from 2 Chronicles 7:14 which states, “If my people who are called by name shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive theirs sins and heal their lands.”

Organizers say the prayer event will be organized around seven concerns for prayer — Repentance, Reconciliation, Resistance of the enemy, Redemption, Restoration, Revelation, and Reformation. Area church pastors and leaders will lead a special time of prayer for each area of concern. Organizers encourage all churches to join together for the “Praying for Bogalusa” prayer event.

For more information, check out the community page on Facebook by searching “Praying for Bogalusa.”