As of now, there are four confirmed dead, 20-some people missing, and nearly 80 people injured. Many families are grief-stricken as they deal with the deaths of loved ones or the unknown status of those still missing. Others remain in critical condition in the hospital. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue and recovery workers return to work today.

As of this writing, divers have not yet returned into the Mississippi River because the collapsed bridge structure is still unstable and the current in the river is at dangerous levels.

In addition to those directly affected by the disaster, this bridge collapse has major implications for the Twin Cities metro area because a major freeway artery has been destroyed.

"The long-term implications are still unknown at this point, but the impact will be significant for months and perhaps years to come," says Steve Loopstra, executive director of the Minneapolis-based Prayer Transformation Ministries (formerly Midwest Concerts of Prayer).

Loopstra commented: "As the Church of the Twin Cities, we need to be in united in prayer for those whose lives have been dramatically altered. We need to seek God's grace and mercy, as well as listen carefully to what He is saying to His Church at this moment in history. Please join us for this conference phone call as we seek the Lord together."

The call will be hosted by Prayer Transformation Ministries tonight, Thursday evening, August 2, from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. Central Time.

Loopstra explained that intercessors may call in, listen to the prayers of others, and join in as God leads you. "This is a time to be united with other intercessors from around the state," he said. You may join or leave the call at any time.

To join this conference call and prayer time, simply call 1-712-580-0393 and enter the passcode: 629814, then press #. You do not need to "announce yourself." Please note that this is a long-distance call, but most wireless plans include free long distance.

Loopstra said the conference prayer call is sponsored by Prayer Transformation Ministries. "Periodically we will issue e-mail alerts for special prayer times over the phone. This is designed to bring intercessors from around the Twin Cities and state together for special or crisis prayer times."

Steve Loopstra, Prayer Transformation Ministries, may be contacted by email: ptm@prayertransformation.com  or on the web at: www.prayertransformation.com.

** Michael Ireland is an international British freelance journalist. A former reporter with a London newspaper, Michael is the Chief Correspondent for ASSIST News Service of Lake Forest, California. Michael immigrated to the United States in 1982 and became a US citizen in September, 1995. He is married with two children. Michael has also been a frequent contributor to UCB Europe, a British Christian radio station. His weblog appears at: Michael's Wor(l)d BLOG