'Praying for Victims': Vigils Tonight for Boston in Marlborough

A vigil tonight will focus on prayer for those affected by and working to investigate the Boston Marathon attacks as well as a place of respite for those personally affected.

“We’re praying for people we don’t know. We are praying for people with no names other than they are a victim," said Pastor Rob Woods of the New Hope Community Church of the Assemblies of God at 204 Main Street. “We are praying for those affected but also opening our doors to say if you need the support we are here.”

A prayer vigil will be held tonight at 6:30 p.m. by the Community Church and followed by a weekly prayer service by the Brazilian Mirav Church (Rivers of Living Water Church) beginning at 7:30 p.m. and conducted at the same location.

The Community Church held a prayer vigil at 10 a.m. today during which members came to pray for first responders, victims and all of those touched by the terrorist attack which has killed three and injured nearly 200 people. No one associated with the church was directly affected, said Woods, but this is a time for the church to come together and pray for those who have been.

"It is to bring peace to those going through this. Not just those who were in the tragedy, but those affected by it," he said. "We are praying for God to give them a peace.”

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Those in the community who have been affected or just need a place to go to speak about the incident will be welcomed as well, said Woods. People have been hit with fear, sadness and anger following the event, he said.

"If you don’t know what to do because your emotions are all out of whack we are here to be a support and hopefully direct you to some sense of support through God," said Woods. “You always feel better after you are able to talk something out."

This will be an ongoing process, he said. Getting over this event is not something that will happen quickly and that is what the church is there for weeks, months and years from now, said Woods.

“We are going to continue to pray after this. It is not just a one shot deal. We understand it is ongoing," he said.

The prayer vigil begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the Mirav Church prayer service at 7:30 p.m.