People from more than a hundred local churches are unifying their message of faith. They gave up their Friday night to pray for their city, their world and each other.

They came from different churches with a common mission.

"We're praying for our families, for our neighborhoods. We're praying against racism. We're praying against crime and gangs," said organizer Michelle Haynes.

They're people of different backgrounds who believe there is power in prayer -- and power in numbers.

"There's a power in the corporate prayer that is not there in the individual prayer," said Charlotte Merry who attended from Grace Fellowship Of Augusta.

"Prayer keeps God in our lives all the time. Keeps us really focused on Him. Keeps us close to Him. And then, and only then, can we have the city and the nation we want to have," said Mildred Johnson, who attended from Whole Life Ministries.

That's why for the fourth time in recent years, organizers have invited people to share their faith during the Prayer and Praise Rally. Haynes say past rallies have worked and sparked others to get involved.

"We've seen prayers answered as a result of our gatherings. Hundreds of churches have been here and this time we're just expecting God to do the same thing," she said.

And participants say gatherings like this are a small step toward bridging cultural and doctoral differences in the community and the world.

"That brings the walls down and brings the power of God into our community in a greater way," Merry said.

"God is indeed working, even though we may not think we see it right away. When we can get together like this, we know God is definitely working on our behalf," Johnson said.

This is the second Prayer and Praise rally this year. Some of those who attended say they hope there's enough interest to have them more than twice a year.