MURRAY (WSIL) -- Several churches in Murray came together Sunday morning for a Prayer in the Park event calling for unity, solidarity, and love.
Pastors from each of the four churches that organized the event spoke, but more than a dozen churches were represented in total; hundreds of cars lined the parking lot with community members.
The event is in response to violent demonstrations and anger taking place across the nation.
Brion Whitley, a student at Murray State University, says everyone wants to see change and that prayer unites a community under a common cause.
"I could organize a protest, but I feel like their has been so many of those. I feel like we've done our job on that part; we've got out, we've walked, we've yelled, we've screamed, we've been upset," says Whitley.
"What can I do to help the community in a more calm and peaceful way and, as a Christian, the first thing I know is the lord." He adds that Saturday's event is a part of the Black Lives Matter movement, but it's also an opportunity for neighbors to come together to pray for safe protest, pray for the black lives lost to violence, and pray for those witnessing and living with injustices.
Journey Church Leader Pastor, Matt Johnson, says changes come when a community takes steps and actions towards it.
"The turnout that was here today was extraordinary; I think it sends a powerful message to our community to the surrounding communities that, you know what, there are a lot of us, regardless of race who are coming together, and we're wanting to see racism end; we're wanting to see change happen, and we'll lead the way in that," says Johnson.
"I know that everybody wants brotherhood, and that's what we're working towards," says Murray State Student, Asia Blanton. "Some people might not really be for the movement necessarily, but they do want peace."
The prayer event brought together people of all ages and lasted about an hour.
Most everyone remained in their vehicles, where they were able to tune in on the radio, and listen to the songs, prayers, and preaching.
