Why First Step Prayer?

These are my thoughts on why I have tried to organize this Community Prayer Meeting called First Step Prayer.   In 2016 when Ronnie Schumpert was killed by police, the greater Tupelo area was very divided by race, black and white.  I felt impressed to try to get our churches in Verona to come together for prayer for our Community.  I was not successful, did not find much enthusiasm from different Pastors. In 2019 my Pastor or maybe it was another Pastor that I listen to on the internet spoke and asked the question; what is the last thing God asked you to do that you haven't done? Immediately I thought of my effort to get the Verona community to gather together for prayer. I said OK, God I will try again but I am not like a friend of mine that tried 15 times to get a Bible Study going at his workplace. I will think it is just my idea and not from you. So I tried again. At the start, at a city hall meeting, the community was upset with the shootings happening here in Verona and asking the city leaders what are you going to do about this? My thought was once again seeking God. I was reading at the time in Isaiah chapters 30 and 31. The first couple of verses of each chapter stood out to me. Why do you make plans without consulting me,(my paraphrase)?  Another verse came to mind in Jeremiah 29:7 about seeking peace and prosperity for the city where you dwell (my paraphrase).  And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”(NLT)
 I live in Verona. There are about 12 Bible Believing churches in Verona. I felt the First Step was just to seek God for the peace and safety of our community, that's where I came up with the name. Our country has been troubled and very divided since the election in 2016.  So here are 1 Timothy2:1-3 1First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,
Once again First of all, we are commanded to pray for those in authority. Some versions use the words all who are in authority, others all who are in high positions.
We have had school shootings, church shootings, and even Walmart shootings. We are not safe in our communities. Our Nation is very divided. Churches are organizing Safety Teams. Our doors on our churches and schools are being locked after school or services start. 2 Chronicles verse 7:14 also comes to mind.  if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.  This verse bothers me, what are our wicked ways?
So this is my journey to where I felt led to start First Step Prayer. As I have seen trouble in the news I have actually felt I was slow in getting this organized. Impeaching of our President, border wall disagreements, fear of World War III starting. I do feel we need to pray for our community our children at school and even for safety in our churches, and our nation / our President.
One thing that really encouraged me was the positive response I got from so many pastors.
God bless, LVZ.