'Prayer-test' in Columbia Slated for Wednesday

Columbia, MD — People will gather in unity Wednesday evening on Red Branch Road.

Bridgeway Community Church is hosting what is has called a "prayer-test" at 7 p.m.

"We will pray it out, talk it out, and sing it out, not shoot it out," the church posted on Facebook.

The prayer-test will be led by Bridgeway Founding Pastor David Anderson, Ph.D.

Police, politicians and the public are invited to attend and share.

The event comes less than a week after five officers were killed and several others were injured after a sniper opened fire during a demonstration in Dallas.

On Tuesday, President Barack Obama spoke at a memorial service in Texas in the wake of the July 7 shooting.

He praised the officers for the manner in which they protected the crowds in Dallas that had taken to the streets in protest — protecting them even while knowing the throngs were rallying against perceived police overreach in the killings of black men.

"These men and their families shared a commitment to something larger than themselves," Obama said of the five who lost their lives.

"I believe our sorrow can make us a better country," Obama said. "I believe our righteous anger can be transformed into more justice and more peace."

It marked the 11th time Obama has had to assuage grief after a mass shooting. The last time was in June when 49 innocents were killed by a gunman at an Orlando nightclub.

Bridgeway Community Church is located at 9189 Red Branch Road in Columbia. The prayer-test will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13.

With reporting by Texas Patch Editor Tony Cantu.

See Also:

• Dallas Police Chief 'Convinced' Gunman Had Other Plans
• Dallas Police Shootings: Outpouring of Support After Deadly Sniper Attack
  

"Lumen," a collaborative mural at Light City in Baltimore on March 30. Photo Credit: Elizabeth Janney.