With Bibles in hand and hearts open for intercessory prayer, nine clergy and lay leaders toured the new Cole County Sheriff's facility Friday.
Inmates are expected to move in soon, so the faith community was invited to seek God's blessing for not only the building, but those who will work there and who will live there for a time.
Throughout the tour, Lt. Gary Hill explained improvements the new facility will offer over the current jail, built in 1938, such as better stewardship of tax dollars, ease of access, improved safety measures, tactical advantage features and better integrity of processes.
Afterward, the group took time to offer specific prayers for the many aspects and uses of the sheriff's office and the new building.
The Rev. James Jackson, pastor of House of Prayer Family Church, said in 1 Timothy 2:1 and Romans 13:1-4 the faith community is called to pray.