One organization dedicated to breaking down racial and denominational barriers in the body of Christ will soon be holding a prayer focused on peace between law enforcement and their communities.

The focused prayer time will be held at the First United Methodist Church Ministry Center Sept. 27 from 4-7 p.m. Everyone in the community is invited to attend at any time throughout the three-hour event.

Local Episcopal priest and Mission Mississippi member Anne Matthews said the organization is dedicated to bringing Christians together regardless of their race, denomination or background.

“All Christians worship the same God, and he’s the God of all races and not just one or two,” she said.

Mission Mississippi began in 1992 in Jackson when a group of men organized a meeting to share their vision of racial reconciliation in Mississippi. The organization has spread to other locations within the state.

Matthews said Mission Mississippi works one relationship at a time by encouraging people of different races and denominations to reach out, meet regularly and form lasting friendships.

The Jackson office began requesting focused prayer times in July after shootings in Baton Rouge, Dallas and other places around the nation left police officers and citizens dead.

The Lincoln County branch decided to hold their focused prayer time in September, and they drew out three topics of prayer. Along with law enforcement, participants will also be praying for the welfare of children and unity in the body of Christ.

“We really want it to be open to everybody in the community,” Matthews said. “It’s for the community, not just Mission Mississippi people.”

Branch leader Charles Williams officiates a meeting for members at 5:15 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of every month, though the meeting is held at a different church every month.

Matthews also organizes a breakfast at Chism’s Diner at 7:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month for local ministers. Churchgoers or pastors who are interested in joining should contact Betty Harrington at 601-833-6042.