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The audience holds hands to sing Amazing Grace at a solemn prayer assembly July 24, 2016, at First Baptist Church in Baton Rouge. Dana Truitt photo

Intentional prayer life needed after recent events in Baton Rouge, Middleton says

July 26, 2016

By Staff, Baptist Message

BATON ROUGE – Tommy Middleton understands the value of a consistent prayer life but events of the past few weeks in Baton Rouge have reminded him of its importance.

Middleton, who is director of missions for the Baptist Association of Greater Baton Rouge, said more intentional prayers are needed for each other and on the issue of racial tension.

To that end, 30 churches from the BAGBR and that National Baptist Association gathered at First Baptist Church in Baton Rouge on July 24 to pray for a variety of topics, including law enforcement, government officials, churches, pastors and the nation. The event drew more than 300 people also featured small group prayer time and the gathering joining hands to sing “Amazing Grace.”

“I think what we see in our culture especially in Baton Rouge is the coming together of all our churches with the expressed purpose of not only working together in unity but also for the advancement of the gospel,” Middleton said. “Because the real issue here is a spiritual need and hopefully a spiritual awakening in our area to the need for Christ. And when that comes, unity will come as well.”

A group of people pray for Oren Conner, pastor of First Baptist Church in Baton Rouge. The church hosted a solemn prayer assembly on July 24, 2016. Dana Truitt photo

A group of people pray for Oren Conner, pastor of First Baptist Church in Baton Rouge. The church hosted a solemn prayer assembly on July 24, 2016. Dana Truitt photo

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