Christmas day turned tragic for a Vicksburg family and in response to the homicide/suicide, a local woman decided to start a prayer initiative.

“I was in prayer crying out to God about the violence, and I felt the Lord placed on my heart to pray for the city — street by street,” Michelle Johnson said.

Johnson has now reached out to others in the community by starting the Adopt a Street Prayer initiative in January and currently 125 streets have already been adopted.

“The overwhelming response has been amazing,” she said.

Johnson said at first she thought this was going to be a “me project” but realized quickly that it could be a community effort.

This could be a “grass roots movement” that could involve other individuals, churches and local organizations, she said.

“This prayer initiative was developed to encourage people to add our city to their everyday prayer time. The theme is 1 John 5:14 ‘And this is the confidence that we have in him, if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.’”

The goal is to pray for protection, salvation of our citizens, success in our businesses and school system, or whatever is needed for that street, Johnson said.

“If you pray for 61 North, then pray for all the people in the hospital, safety on the highways and the school.”

Johnson said adopting a street is easy and anyone is welcome to join the initiative.

“Members can choose their own street and surrounding area to pray for during their private devotions. We also encourage churches to come outside and pray in the parking lot to remind people prayer still works,” she said.

Johnson also encouraged churches to choose a street or streets to pray for during their corporate worship services and during prayer at the alter.

“Someone may hear the prayer or see it and be changed by the gesture.”

To join the initiative, Johnson said to text 601-715-0522 or email mreneejohnson83@gmail.com.

“Give the name of the street you or your organization are willing to pray for because it will ensure all streets are adopted,” she said.

Some streets have multiple prayer warriors, but just because a street has already been adopted, does not mean it cannot be adopted again.

“I don’t mind if someone adopts a street over and over. A street can never have too much prayer.”

Former Vicksburg residents have even gotten on board, Johnson said, calling to adopt and pray for a hometown street.

“As Christians we have to be careful not to become desensitized by the frequency of violent acts. God cannot fail, but we can fail to pray.”