Christians across Puerto Rico are gathering this week for six days of prayer for families, churches and the future of the island, a U.S. territory in the Caribbean.
The initiative, called Puerto Rico en Oración (Puerto Rico in Prayer), began Monday, Sept. 21, and runs through Saturday, Sept. 26. Each day's session lasts 12 hours, from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is hosted by a different church.
Evangelist Nehemías Santiago leads the effort, which organizers describe as a call to unity and to seeking God's presence. According to the event's official materials, the invitation extends to congregations, pastors and church leaders, as well as to anyone who wishes to pray.
Participants do not need to belong to a church or have experience in prayer, organizers say. People may stay for as long as their schedules allow and return on other days.
The sessions move around the island. The first two days took place in Arecibo on the northern coast, followed by Humacao in the east. Thursday's gathering is in Dorado, Friday's in San Germán in the southwest, and Saturday's closing session in the Hato Rey district of San Juan, the capital.
The event's motto is "One island. One voice. One united cry." Organizers invite people to join the collective prayer, to pray in silence or simply to listen.
Their materials also cite 2 Chronicles 7:14, a biblical passage that calls God's people to humble themselves, pray and seek his face.
An optional online form lets attendees indicate which days and times they plan to come so organizers can estimate attendance. It does not reserve a place. Venue addresses and schedule updates are posted on the event's website, puertoricoenoracion.org.
