We need to take seriously that prayer is the central work of the church, work that releases us for long and patient abiding in our rural communities and holds us in the presence of God.

In a neighborhood long plagued by gun violence and poverty, one East Oakland church is using prayer as a form of outreach and a weapon for peace.

People who drove up received prayer ... service, church leaders will honor first responders, law enforcement officers, firefighters, nurses, doctors, teachers, and other essential workers for ...

Church members stand together in their hope for peace in Ukraine, she contends. In early March, she led a prayer — in both Russian and in Ukrainian — in front of the church in support of Ukraine.

Pastor Wilson said the church is asking for the community’s prayers as they work to move forward. “Right now, we are just asking for the community to pray for us. Of course, we are early in ...