National Day of Prayer - Memphis, TN

05/25/2026

Join us to Pray4Memphis Wednesday

Email from pray4memphis.com "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.” Jeremiah 29:7 Praye

05/05/2026

Memphis area National Day of Prayer Events for Thursday, May 7

SHELBY COUNTY EVENTS:

Keith McDonald Pavilion at W.J. Freeman Park, Bartlett
5/7/26 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
2629 Bartlett Blvd
Bartlett, TN 38134
We will gather under the pavilion as we pray for our city, state, country and nation.

National Day of Prayer at Shelby Farms
5/7/26 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
6903 Great View Dr N
Memphis, TN 38134
Inviting all intercessors to pray with Awaken Memphis NDP May 7 in beautiful Shelby Farms Park. Join us for worship and prayer as many churches and people of prayer come together as one from 3:00 pm to Sunset.

National Day of Prayer Collierville on the Town Square
5/7/26 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Collierville Town Square
125 N. Rowlett St.
Collierville, TN 38017
There will be a National Day of Prayer ceremony May 7 at 12:00 noon at the Collierville Town Square. This event will be led by local pastors and leaders.

Prayer without Ceasing in Perilous Times
5/7/26 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
First Evangelical Church
835 Ridgelake Blvd.
Memphis, TN 38120
Please join us for "one hour" as we pray for our nation, our city, our state, and our world - in these perilous times. We will utilize the National Day of Prayer "prayer guide" praying for vital areas and walks of life in our country.

National Day of Prayer Service
5/7/26 11:00 AM - 11:45 PM
Colonial Baptist Church
1503 Colonial Rd
Memphis, TN 38117
Colonial Baptist will host a community wide National Day of Prayer service.
All are welcome. Weather permitting, we will gather around the flag pole for a time of prayer to close the service.

Lakeland Community Prayer
5/7/26 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
International Harvesters Clubhouse
4523 Canada Road, Lakeland, TN
Join the City of Lakeland Board of Commissioners for Lakeland’s National Day of Prayer as our community comes together in reflection, unity, and faith. This special gathering will feature local pastors, community leaders, and elected officials leading prayers for our nation, government, schools, families, and more. All are welcome to attend and be a part of this meaningful time of prayer. We look forward to coming together as a community for this important day.

FAYETTE COUNTY EVENTS:

Oak Grove Baptist Church NDP
5/7/26 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Oak Grove Baptist Church
Moscow, TN
A time for the local body of Christ to join together and pray.

Prayer and a Movie at The Venue, Somerville, TN
5/7/26 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
The Venue
16280 Hwy 64
Somerville, TN 38068
Join other believers as we pray for our country on the National Day of Prayer for prayer and a movie!

Fayette County Prayer Gathering @ Somerville Courthouse on the Square
5/7/26 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Somerville Courthouse on the Square
16755 US-64
Somerville, TN 38068
Meet outside the Fayette County Courthouse on the Somerville Square (inside for rain) at 12noon on Thursday, May 7. Local pastors will lead in prayer and all may attend and pray together! Bring a lawn chair and let's seek the Lord together!

TIPTON COUNTY EVENTS:

Munford City Park NDP
5/7/26 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Munford City Park
101 College Street
Munford, TN 38058
The community will gather at the city park to pray for our local, state and federal governments.

MISSISSIPPI EVENTS:

National Day of Prayer Gathering at Cornerstone
5/7/26 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Cornerstone Church Southaven
5998 Elmore Rd
Southaven, MS 38671
Join us on Thursday, May 7th at 6:00 PM at Cornerstone Church in Southaven, MS for a special National Day of Prayer gathering. Come together with our community as we lift up our nation, leaders, churches, families, and future in prayer. This will be a time of worship, reflection, and united intercession as we seek God’s guidance and blessing over our land.

Unity and Community National Day of Prayer Haraway Center
5/7/26 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Northwest Community College Haraway Center
99 Ranger Dr
4975 Highway 51N
Senatobia, MS 38668
Sponsored by NWCC. There will be seven prayer participants representing the seven spheres of influence. Please come and be present -be a part, to pray for our community and our great concerns at this time that influence our city, state and nation. Yes, our world. Come. Learn. Care. Share. We bring about what we think (PRAY) about. Unity in spirit commands a blessing. One day….is coming!

City of Olive Branch National Day of Prayer
5/7/26 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Olive Branch City Hall Gazebo
9200 Pigeon Roost Rd,
Olive Branch, MS 38654
Church, community, and business leaders in Olive Branch will be leading out in prayer over our nation beginning at noon. We would love for you to join us if you can. The program will not last more than 30 minutes. If you cannot make it to City Hall then we ask that you take time out of your day on Thursday to pray with us over our nation!

04/21/2026

Join us to Pray4Memphis Weds at 11:30

Email from pray4memphis.com "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.” Jeremiah 29:7 Praye

04/21/2026

Join us for Pray4Memphis Weds at 11:30!

Email from pray4memphis.com "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.” Jeremiah 29:7 Praye

04/16/2026

Memphis: From Worst to First in Health

“…I will restore you to health. I will heal your wounds…” Jeremiah 30:17
“…I am the Lord who heals you.” Exodus 15:26

Just three years ago, in 2023, Memphis was ranked among the “worst” in national health. In WalletHub’s analysis of 182 of the most populated U.S. cities, Memphis ranked 176th overall on the “Unhealthiest Cities” list. This ranking was based on 43 health-related metrics across four categories: food, fitness, healthcare, and green space.

That same year, Memphis had the fifth-highest percentage of adults not eating enough fruits and vegetables. In both food and fitness, our city ranked in the bottom tier.

But by 2026, the story is beginning to change.

Memphis still ranks among the 10 unhealthiest cities, yet there has been measurable progress—we are now just above the lowest tier. In fact, a 2025 article from The Commercial Appeal titled “Brighter, Healthier Future for Memphis” highlighted this encouraging shift:

“In just one year, Memphis saw a 38% increase in residents meeting both aerobic and strength activity guidelines—one of the most dramatic jumps in the country. That’s not just a number; it’s a sign that our city is turning the corner on chronic disease and embracing a healthier way of life. Behind this momentum is the same grit, resilience, and community spirit that defines Memphis, and it’s moving us toward a brighter, more active future.”

Another important health challenge in Memphis is sickle cell disease (SCD). Memphis ranks #6 in the nation for the prevalence of this inherited blood disorder, which causes red blood cells to become hardened and crescent-shaped, leading to anemia, severe pain, organ damage, and increased risk of infection.

Yet there is hope!

Memphis is home to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which offers one of the largest pediatric SCD programs in the United States, providing advanced treatment, clinical trials, and research-driven care. Adult patients also receive specialized care through institutions such as University of Tennessee Health Science Center and local infusion centers.


Let’s pray for Memphis as we continue moving from worst to first in health:
PRAISE that Memphis is already rising from the bottom in health and moving toward a healthier future
PRAISE for the excellent medical care available in our city, including specialized treatment for SCD
PRAY for improved nutrition and increased physical activity among all residents
PRAY for access to quality healthcare for every citizen
PRAY for reduced ER wait times for those experiencing sickle cell crises
PRAY for breakthroughs in treatment—and ultimately a cure—for SCD
Let’s pray:

Father God, You are our Healer. You sent Your Son, Jesus, and He brought healing everywhere He went. We know that our health matters to You.
We ask that You would lift Memphis from the lowest in health to the best—from worst to first. Give our people wisdom, discipline, and hope. Bring healing to those who are suffering, especially those with sickle cell disease.
Release breakthroughs in treatment and reveal cures. Bless Memphis with health, restoration, and renewal. Let this city become known for wellness, vitality, and care for all people.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

04/11/2026

Continuing the series of prayers for Memphis to go from WORST to FIRST in many different categories by 2035. Please pray with us. God is moving.

Memphis: From Worst to First in Overcoming Substance Abuse

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?” —
1 Corinthians 6:19

Memphis is facing a serious substance abuse crisis, driven by fentanyl and other powerful synthetic opioids. Shelby County continues to report the highest number of overdose deaths in Tennessee.

Fentanyl remains the leading cause, often mixed into other drugs without users’ knowledge, leading to unintentional overdoses. Dangerous substances like xylazine (“tranq”), which does not respond to Narcan, and even more potent drugs like carfentanil are increasing the risk.

Methamphetamine, co***ne, and he**in also remain significant challenges. In recent years, Shelby County has experienced hundreds of overdose deaths annually, with a concerning shift—now over half of these deaths are among Black men.

Tennessee law classifies ma*****na as an illegal controlled substance, yet its widespread use is evident across Memphis, even on our roadways—raising concerns about impaired driving and public safety.

This is a serious crisis—but there is hope!

Early 2026 data shows overdose incidents in Memphis are down nearly 50% compared to the same time in 2025. We praise God for this progress and believe Memphis is moving from worst to first in overcoming substance abuse.

Join Us in Prayer:

PRAISE God for the significant decline in overdose incidents in early 2026 and the progress being made across our city.

PRAY that impaired individuals will not drive and endanger others on Memphis roads.

PRAY for drug abuse and dependency to continue declining, and for young people to be protected from entering into addiction.

PRAY for accidental overdoses to cease, and for harmful substances like fentanyl, xylazine, and carfentanil to be removed from our streets.

PRAY that the spiritual forces fueling addiction in Memphis would be broken, and replaced with salvation, healing, and transformation through Christ.

Pray With Us: Father God, we ask for Your mercy over Memphis. Though our city has struggled deeply with substance abuse, we thank You for the signs of hope and progress. Continue this work of transformation. Let Memphis become a testimony to the nation — a city that turned from crisis to restoration. Draw hearts away from addiction and toward You. Bring repentance, healing, and true revival to our city. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

04/06/2026

04/03/2026

Praying for Memphis: Going From Worst to First in Reduced Gang Activity

Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’ 1 Corinthians 15:33

Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Proverbs 13:20

In a 2024 article in Money Magazine, Memphis ranked 6th in the nation for gang activity. At that time, the city reported approximately 180 documented gangs and 8,400 gang members.
Gang-related activity has contributed significantly to violent crime in Memphis. These activities often include:
Drug trafficking
Fi****ms offenses
Assaults and robberies
Homicides
Organized crime such as extortion, racketeering, and turf conflicts
However, there are encouraging signs of progress.

Through the work of the Memphis Safe Task Force and other initiatives, gang activity has begun to decline. As of March 25, 2026, the task force reported that gangs in Memphis are “falling apart,” with approximately 770 members recently arrested.

Youth involvement remains a critical issue. Most individuals join gangs between the ages of 12–18, with the highest risk between 13–15. Many do not join because they desire crime, but because they are seeking belonging, identity, protection, and purpose. Contributing factors include:
Lack of support at home
Peer influence
Unsafe environments
Struggles in school
Limited positive opportunities
Another growing concern is access to weapons. Gangs obtain fi****ms through theft and increasingly through untraceable “ghost guns.” These weapons can be assembled from online kits or modified from existing fi****ms, making them difficult to regulate and trace.
Signs of Hope:
God is moving in Memphis:
Law enforcement efforts are disrupting gang activity
Illegal weapons are being removed from the streets
Awareness is increasing around prevention and youth intervention
These are meaningful steps forward—but there is more to be done.
Let’s Pray for Memphis:

PRAISE
Thank You, Lord, for the reduction in gang activity
Thank You for law enforcement and leaders working to make our city safer
Thank You for illegal guns being removed from our streets
PRAY
For young people—both boys and girls—who are vulnerable to gang involvement
That they would find belonging, protection, and identity in God and His people
PRAY
For wisdom and action at the state level to address the spread of untraceable weapons or “ghost guns”
That access to dangerous weapons would be limited, especially for youth
PRAY
That young teenagers, especially ages 13–15, would be protected from choices that could harm their future
That they would be surrounded by strong families, mentors, and positive influences
PRAY
For a spiritual revival that transforms the culture of Memphis
That young people would come to Christ and find purpose, identity, and hope in Him
That the Church at Memphis rise up to be the Church and provide resources to be a blessing to the people.
LET’S PRAY:

Father God, we ask You to intervene in the city of Memphis. Continue to reduce the number of guns on our streets and disrupt the systems that fuel violence. We pray for those involved in producing and distributing harmful weapons—that their hearts would be changed and their efforts redirected toward what brings life, not destruction.

Thank You for the progress we are seeing, but we ask for more. Let Memphis become one of the safest cities in America—free from gang influence and violence.

Draw our youth to You. Help them find their identity, purpose, and future in Christ. Pour out Your Spirit across this city, bringing repentance, healing, and transformation. Manifest Your glory in Memphis, we pray.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

03/27/2026

Praying for Memphis to go from Worst to First in Population loss

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“Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you… pray to the Lord for it, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:7

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: In the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will populate the cities, and the ruins will be rebuilt.” Ezekiel 36:33
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Many large cities across the nation have experienced population loss, often because residents move to nearby suburbs. However, in Memphis and Shelby County, the issue goes beyond suburban migration. In 2024, Shelby County led the nation in population decline.

The population of Shelby County is now estimated at approximately 910,000—down from over 930,000 in 2020. The city of Memphis has also declined, losing 13,785 people between 2010 and 2020, with the trend accelerating since then. Earlier this year, Memphis Mayor Paul Young shared in his State of the City address that the population has dropped from about 650,000 in 2000 to roughly 615,000 today. He noted that fewer residents mean fewer taxpayers to support the needs of the city.

Population changes are not limited to Memphis itself. While some suburbs, such as Arlington and Lakeland, have grown, others—including Bartlett and Germantown—have also experienced declines.

People leave cities for a variety of reasons. In Memphis, both perception and reality play a role—factors such as job opportunities, schools, safety, quality of life, and long-term development patterns all influence decisions to stay or leave.
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Join us as we pray for POPULATION LOSS in Memphis:

PRAISE God for the many good things He is doing in Memphis. Memphis has been building networks of Christian unity that are bringing people together. New opportunities in jobs and commerce have come to our city. We are a distribution center for America. We have amazing world-renowned companies like St. Jude and FedEx.

PRAY for a great Spiritual revival to come to Memphis which will change the very DNA of the city, change the culture, heal the land and make Memphis a place that people are drawn to – where they will come to see what God is doing and choose to stay.

PRAY that the reputation and narrative regarding Memphis will change radically for the better so that people across the country would see this as a city of hope, opportunity and blessing.

PRAY for businesses and industries to choose to build in Memphis; for revitalization across the downtown area and other areas of Memphis and Shelby County. May we see visible renewal: cranes going up to rebuild downtown and other population centers in Memphis. May we see visible renewal: growth, investment and building; new housing in desolated areas and cleanup in blighted areas.

LET’S PRAY: Father God we come to you on behalf of this city of Memphis where you have placed us. You told us to pray for the city’s prosperity and peace. We thank You for the changes we have seen in safety. We are asking You to bring a move of Your Spirit that will flow across this city and change the future of Memphis. Bring this city from being on the Worst list in population loss to the First list: a city that people choose to live in. Make our city a safe, blessed place of opportunity with affordable housing, lots of attractions for families and all people, and great career choices. Heal the land by Your Spirit. Restore what has been lost. Make Memphis a magnet city. We ask in Jesus Name, Amen.

03/24/2026

Join us tomorrow to Pray4Memphis. Click for details and other prayer events!

Email from pray4memphis.com "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.” Jeremiah 29:7 Praye