They gather beginning before 8 a.m., arriving at the intersection of Bank and Lloyd streets individually and in small groups, chatting amongst one another while they wait for the children and their parents to arrive.

Finally, at around 8:15 a.m., the children are all there — about a half dozen or so, along with their parents or guardians — and a small circle forms at the intersection. A member of St. Matthew Holiness Church tells those who have gathered that they’re about to pray for the children, giving parents a chance to step away with their kids if they prefer not to participate. Nobody leaves the circle.

Pastor Jo L. Mason then begins to pray. It’s a simple prayer and brief. She prays for the children’s safety, for the safety of the bus that’s due to arrive soon and for the kids to be focused on their schoolwork. She soon says, “Amen,” and the circle breaks apart.

A member of her congregation, Saranette Chapman, hands out Ziploc bags with things inside meant to remind the children to be flexible, heal hurt feelings, remember their blessings, forgive themselves for their mistakes, stick with their work and more.

Members of St. Matthew have been holding prayer on corners around the neighborhood since the first day of school.

“We want to make sure no harm comes to them and that God keeps their minds on success,” says Shequita Matthews, whose sister, Adria Mason, came up with the idea to have intercessory prayer for Suffolk students earlier this year.

“We believe in prayer, and we want to advocate for them so that no hurt, harm or danger will come to them.”

St. Matthew has a congregation of about 55 members, and many of them are taking part in the prayer effort. The group has been praying corporately each day of the school year at one of 10 different locations members identified prior to the start of school. Members plan to continue the effort individually and in pairs at each of those locations throughout the year.

“It’s wonderful,” Mason says. “We’re making a difference.”

The children at the bus stop on Tuesday seemed to agree that prayer makes a difference.

“I think He’ll work it all out for us,” says 10-year-old Passion Arline, who attends St. Matthew and lives near the bus stop where the group has gathered. She says she prays in school, too, but it’s a bit different there. “I say it in my head.”

Recognizing, perhaps, that not all children have the kind of faith Passion demonstrates, St. Matthew’s congregation has offered a more tangible incentive for keeping focused on success. Those who make the honor roll when progress reports are issued on Oct. 5 will be presented gifts from the church.

“We just love God and are showing the kids there is a God,” member Tonya Wilson says.