Chicagoans come together to pray for the violence to end

FOX 32 NEWS - As the wave of violence hits the city, hundreds gathered for a prayer event at the Moody Bible Institute.

The timing of this comes the same week Chicago surpassed 500 homicides this year with four months still to go. Last year, the city had 491 homicides.

Hundreds of people from all walks of life and religions came together Wednesday to simply pray. More specifically, people were praying for Chicago, for the violence to end, and for the peace to begin.

"I believe there's a solution, I believe that there is a solution and it's found within us,” said crisis responder Dr. Donovan Price.

The crowds poured into the Moody Bible Institute for the annual "Pray Chicago" event.

Reverend Al Taylor walked from New York City just to be here.

"One of the most amazing things that I've experienced from the time I walked out of NYC is the love of complete strangers,” said Rev. Taylor.

He left on August 7th, walking more than 700 miles and is calling his journey: "it's a love thing"

"You have the people who really cheer you on by saying it's not going to do anything - you are crazy. People will still die, but it has to start somewhere,” said Rev. Taylor.

Taylor says prayer walks in New York have led to fewer crimes and he wants the same for Chicago. Those attending the prayer service agree that something has to be done about our increase in homicides, and maybe it starts with church.

"We want the whole city to know that the church is with you and we are here for the entire city of Chicago,” Rev. Taylor said. "It really helps our city....we need to do more of this, not once in a while, not once a year…it's crucial now more than ever - because there's just such a moral corruption in our society."

"Seek the peace of the city because if the city prospers, so shall you - so we have an investment and we have to invest in our community,” Rev. Taylor added.

After the service was over, organizers didn’t want the praying to stop. They encourage everyone to pray for all 77 Chicago neighborhoods.