frequently asked questions
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Do I need to sign up to participate?
There is no sign up to participate in Pray on Troost. You simply have to show up at 7pm on June 19th, find a place on Troost you would like to stand for 1 hour and pray.
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Will the event be canceled if there is rain?
Pray on Troost will happen rain or shine.
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I see on the website that people are wearing a mask with a word written on the front. Do I have to make and wear one?
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Not at all, but we encourage you to do so if you feel comfortable. We believe this is a powerful way to non-verbally communicate that we are standing in solidarity as well as communicate a word or phrase that you are specifically praying for.
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Can we pray out loud in a group?
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Though we believe in the power of praying in community, the main goal of Pray on Troost is to stand in prayer 6 feet apart creating a prayer chain. We encourage all people to pray on other occasions but we respectfully ask for personal quiet prayer at this event. You will probably be the only person who hears your prayer, but every prayer counts, and we believe it will make a mighty sound in heaven.
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Where should I park?
Anywhere on Troost or intersecting streets that legally allows you to park. Please be respectful of businesses and homes and abide by the instructions on parking signs.
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What if people ask me what I’m doing during the hour of prayer?
Please feel free to let them know about Pray on Troost. We don’t want to miss an opportunity to share the Father’s heart and tell someone about Jesus. We trust you will use wisdom and discernment in love about continuing a conversation and/or returning to prayer.
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What should I do if people begin to protest Pray on Troost near me?
Pray on Troost is a peaceful demonstration and a time to pray. Though we encourage open dialogue with those who may disagree with what we are standing for, we also acknowledge that many are very emotional during this time. We ask that you refrain from communication that you foresee becoming belligerent or conversations that goes against the spirit of Pray on Troost.
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Who organized Pray on Troost?
Please see the video for more information HERE
We have had a few questions around this so we want to explain a little more of our heart: Pray on Troost is NOT an organization or being organized by one church community. The idea was inspired by a movement in the nation called 'civil righteousness' and prayer events like this have been happening across the US. The planning group is a network of friends who live both East and West of Troost Ave and have been praying for and working towards change together and individually for years. We already have participation from many denominations including : Catholic, Presbyterian, Nazarene, Episcopal, Anglican, Baptist and non-denominational Churches. We also have participation from nonprofits, businesses and community leaders who all love Jesus and want to stand and pray together. We know that unified prayer is just a step but it's a crucial step to see God continue to heal the racial divide in Kansas City. Please do see the video for more information
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I’m a church leader, how can I get our community involved?
We highly encourage communities to organize and get involved together as a group. You can follow the same instructions under the section “How to Participate” but specifically choose a section of Troost that can accommodate your group size- spread out in a single line on the sidewalk.
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What should I pray about for an hour?
Pray for reconciliation and restoration; pray the words you see on others' masks; pray for the area that you are standing on; pray for systems of injustice to change; pray for comfort; pray for the City leaders; pray for business owners; pray for the healing of the divide in Kansas City. See a simple prayer guide HERE
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Does it cost anything?
It does not cost anything to participate.
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Can I tell my friends and invite others to join me?
Absolutely and we encourage it
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Can I post about this on social media? Is there a hashtag?
Yes. Please follow us @prayontroost on Instagram and Pray on Troost on Facebook. Please share the Facebook event “Pray on Troost on Juneteenth” with your networks! Some hashtags we are highlighting are #healthedivide and #prayontroost.
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Do I have to stand for the full hour or can I bring a chair?
We encourage you to stand but if you have a physical condition that does not allow it, feel free to bring a chair.
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Can I bring children to the event?
Yes, this is a family event and we would love children to participate. You can bring some activities to keep them busy and able to participate (sidewalk chalk, coloring sheets, lawn chairs, wagons, snacks etc.)
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What COVID-19 safety guidelines are you adhering to?
Please do not attend if you are feeling sick or experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. Follow social distancing guidelines - keep a distance of at least 6 feet, wear your mask or face-covering at all times, use hand sanitizer before you come and when you leave.