Chicago pastor leads public prayer for city’s safety and fallen CPD officer

CHICAGO — In a parking lot off 87^th Street and the Dan Ryan Expressway, you’ll find a weekly gathering in the summer where the community is invited to pray.

“This is my sixth year coming out here every Monday in between Memorial Day and Labor Day to pray for the city, pray for the violence,” Pastor Donovan Price said.

Price leads the sessions in a welcoming setting where even his shoes send a message to walk by faith.

“Because we know prayer has some power. Prayer changes things,” he said.

During this week’s prayer, the group honored the life of fallen Chicago police officer Krystal Rivera and prayed for the safety of the Chicago Police Department.

“When an officer is killed, then a member of the family has been lost. A pillar of the community has been lost,” Price said.

Rivera, four-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, was killed after another officer unintentionally shot her during a call on the city’s South Side last week.

“We’re praying for peace, for her family’s heart and spirit. We’re praying for some level of understanding for her daughter. We’re praying for her partner that he might have some peace,” Price said. “And there’s part of us that should be praying for those who caused this situation in the first place.”

Through some clapping and some singing, they hope to bring peace and healing throughout the city.

“We’re thankful for all those who are still making it, trying to make it through,” Price said.

The weekly prayer sessions are open to all and held Mondays at 7 p.m. in the Floor & Decor parking lot at 125 W 87th St.