I recently toured the city of Chicago with Dr. John Fuder, founder of Pray Chicago. He led me and twenty others from my suburban church through some of Chicago’s most diverse neighborhoods. He explained each region’s history, demographics, and prayer needs to give us a greater understanding of how God loves the city.

I learned how important it is for believers to “work for the peace and prosperity of the city” and “pray to the LORD for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare” (Jeremiah 29:7).

Pray Chicago began in January 2014 when a group of believers gathered to pray, crying out to God against the violence in Chicago. It now exists to rally the diverse body of Christ for prayerful engagement of all seventy-seven communities of Chicago and the advancement of God’s kingdom in the city.

In 2016, Pray Chicago started to encourage churches to put their prayers into action in their own communities. Pray Chicago has since come alongside existing ‘salt and light’ streets-based initiatives and other regional faith-in-action events in the city of Chicago.

As violence continues to plague many communities, Pray Chicago is asking the Lord to renew Chicago through the work of His people.

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer, Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church, comments, “Pray Chicago is an opportunity for Christians in our city to demonstrate that the gospel which unites us is more powerful than the differences that divide us.”

If you live near Chicago, consider attending a Pray Chicago event and stay connected through the seasons, as mentioned in Pray Chicago’s Core Values. If you’re unable to visit, pick up a copy of the Chicago Neighborhood Prayer Guide to learn how you can pray for the city.

Learn more about Pray Chicago on their website and watch related videos HERE.

If you’re looking for books about prayer, visit Tyndale.com by clicking HERE.