Church Hosts Community Prayer Following Bridge Collapse

BALTIMORE, Md.— On March 28, just two days after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed, Redemption City Church organized a community prayer at 8 a.m. at Patterson Park Observatory.

Though clouds were gathering in the early morning, the rain held off as people met at the historic structure, affectionately known as the “pagoda,” surrounded by cherry blossom trees, tulips, and other spring flowers, to worship, share reflections, pray, and lament the tragedy that has impacted so many families in the area.

Eric McAllister, director of gathered worship for Redemption Church, led those in attendance singing, “It is Well With My Soul” and “10,000 Reasons,” honoring God, even in sorrow.

Leaders from local churches of various denominations led in prayer in English and Spanish.  Adam Wilson, Redemption Church pastor of discipleship, led a prayer of lament and explained the expression of sorrow and pain in the community.

Ashleigh Morgan, a women’s ministry resident at Redemption City, facilitated a group prayer time. Individuals prayed, shared, and reflected together. They prayed for families and friends of those who lost loved ones, for recovery teams, for wisdom for government leaders, those who will be affected financially and the local economy, for churches to care for the physical and spiritual needs of their communities, for rebuilding and restoration. They sought God to heal the wounds of Baltimore and for people to seek God during this time.

In addition, they prayed for God to “teach us to number our days,” based on Psalm 90, a prayer of Moses.

Morgan said, “It was encouraging to see so many members from our community come together and see the hope of Christ in the midst of such a tragic event for our city.”

The church is assessing needs and prayerfully seeking ways to help those affected by the tragedy.

Feature photo:Redemption City Church hosted a prayer time for those affected by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. (Photo by Josh Zello)