Faith leaders are moved to pray for Winnipeg's emergency responders as murder rates in the city reach an all-time high.

Today, ministry leaders met to pray for Winnipeg's safety. Once a month, the Winnipeg Pastors and Leaders Prayer Network meets to worship and ask God to help with Winnipeg's most difficult problems. Today's meeting focussed on rising crime in the city.

In 2019, Winnipeg had a record-breaking number of murders. Forty-four people were killed in Winnipeg, doubling last year's count of 22.

Today's prayer session had Christian leaders sharing stories of how crime has affected their lives and congregations.

"Personally, I ask God what can we, as a church and as Christians, can do to make a difference in our city," Pastor Junie Josue of International Worship Centre says.

Stories of family members being affected by gangs, congregation members reaching out after struggling with drugs, and other related experiences were shared with the room of worshipers.  The meeting's personal tone helped attendees connect with the sensitive nature of the day.

Ministry groups from across the city were present at the event, along with two chaplains from the Winnipeg Police Service. The WPLPN gathering ended with a mention of the 365 Police Prayer Watch, a prayer program established in 2014 encouraging Winnipeg churches to spend a week praying for the Winnipeg Police Service. 

Read more: How to pray for police members in Winnipeg