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Gov. Kevin Stitt has issued a proclamation declaring Thursday a “Statewide Day of Prayer” for all Oklahomans affected by COVID-19.

In conjunction with the focus on prayer, a group of Oklahoma faith leaders will gather for a special prayer and worship event titled “Let Hope Rise: Together In Prayer for Oklahoma." The event, hosted by the Rev. Michael Todd, willl be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Transformation Church in Tulsa, where Todd is pastor. The gathering will be televised live on channels KFOR channel 4, KOCO channel 5 and KWTV channel 9 in Oklahoma City and News On 6 in Tulsa. Viewers may also stream online at https://transformchurch.us/. In-person attendance will not be allowed in accordance with current social distancing guidelines.

"I know this is an uncertain or anxious time for many Oklahomans right now. That is why I believe it is important we join together as a state and pray for God’s blessing, protection and strength as we face a challenge that is unprecedented in its scope," Stitt said in a news release.

In addition to Todd of Transformation Church, the event will include the Rev. Craig and Amy Groeschel, founders and senior pastors of Edmond-based Life.Church; the Rev. Jamie Austin of Woodlake Church; the Rev. Herbert Cooper of People’s Church; the Rev. Paul Daugherty and the Rev. Sharon Daugherty of Victory Church; the Rev. Joel Harder, chaplain of the Oklahoma House of Representatives; the Rev. Alex Himaya of Battle Creek Church; the Rev. Doug Melton of Southern Hills Baptist Church in Oklahoma City; and the Rev. Bill Scheer of Guts Church.