Are you concerned about the direction in which our city is going? Do you believe it could — and should — be a better place? Are you in favor of a change? Do you feel as I do that something should be done and that we should not settle for less than the best for our beloved city?

No, I am not speaking about our city leaders. Without a doubt, they are doing the best they know how to do for Suffolk. I have no criticism for a single one of them. May God bless them as they fulfill their duties in their respective positions. The Bible teaches us to pray for our leaders, and we should do so.

That brings me to the reason I have for writing this open letter to the citizens of Suffolk. I hope every concerned resident of our city will join with our church in dedicating a one-hour period of time praying to Almighty God for His blessings and His favor upon our city.

You may be a skeptic and say that it would be useless to give an hour to pray for God’s blessings upon our city. My response would be this: Could it possibly do any harm to pray and ask God to bless Suffolk?

We invite you to join us on Sept. 21 from 7 to 8 p.m. as we call upon God to grant us divine favor in the days ahead. Our church, Pentecostals of Suffolk, located at 641 Carolina Road, will host this time of prayer.

Should the church be full, we invite you to drive into our parking lot and pray in your vehicle. If you cannot attend our church on that date, we ask you to pray wherever you are, even if only for a few minutes.

Prayer is powerful; prayer speaks things into existence. Prayer is talking to God.

What should we pray about? Following are some suggestions, but certainly not a complete list.

Pray for God to guide and give direction to our city leaders.

Pray for protection for our police officers, firefighters, EMTs and others.

Pray for a significant reduction in criminal activity.

Pray for safer streets and neighborhoods.

Pray for prosperity of our citizens.

Pray for greater success of business and enterprise.

Pray for our citizens in military service.

Pray for godly guidance for our churches.

Pray for a return to greater church attendance.

Pray for a godly love for one another.

Pray for physical health and spiritual well being for our citizens.

Pray for things important to you.

Our only access to God is through prayer. The Bible says that we have not because we ask not. Let us ask together, let us join together and let us pray together.

God bless Suffolk.