Lawrence County churches are joining in the communal fight against substance abuse through the power of prayer.

Recently, Huntington, W.Va., Mayor Steve Williams asked area churches to join in prayer asking for the end of substance abuse at 11:05 this Sunday morning.

“I think it is always a good idea to take the problems of society to God in prayer,” the Rev. Wayne Young, of First United Methodist Church of Ironton, said.

That church will join Resurrection Hope Methodist Church, First Baptist Church of Ironton, First Presbyterian and Christ Episcopal Church in joining in the prayer.

Pastor Eric Barnes of First Baptist said addiction has both physical and spiritual components.

“It goes a lot deeper than a physical act,” Barnes said. “When someone asks for spiritual help, it is only right to help in prayer and in any way we can. We want everyone to be living as well as they can without all the problems.”

The Rev. Sallie Schisler of Christ Church was approached by several people in the community if the church would join in the prayer.

“It is no secret that this is a problem in the community,” she said. “I believe as people of faith one of our responsibilities is to pray for and encourage and work for things that will help people recover. This is an opportunity to do that.”