WASHINGTON (AP) _ Two evangelical groups have organized a national day of prayer for communities affected by the Gulf oil spill.

It will be held Sunday at churches across the country. The event is being put together by The National Association of Evangelicals and the Evangelical Environmental Network.

EEN president Rev. Mitch Hescox says the prayers will seek God’s help in ending the flow of oil, to restore the land and sea, to help affected businesses and families and to alleviate mental anguish.

Hescox says there is a biblical mandate for care of the Earth and “the least of these.”