Sixteen murders struck the city of Peoria last year. Those murders prompted four gun exchange programs along with multiple marches for peace.

This year Mayor Jim Ardis called on the faith community to hold 40 days of prayer in hopes of a more peaceful 2008.

That peace was broken this morning when shots rang out at Peoria home leaving one man with multiple gun shot wounds. Those involved with 40 days of Prayer say this shooting shows their efforts are working.

Neighbor Seneca Davis said, "I woke up this morning and saw the police sitting out here."

Peoria police responded to a shooting at 2015 West Antoinette just before five o-clock Friday morning. Officers say they found a 47-year-old man with multiple gun shot wounds inside the home and a 47-year-old woman with less serious injuries.

The case is being investigated as a domestic situation, but it still has Pastor William Preston worried.

The senior pastor of City on a Hill Church of Christ said, "We have a serious condition especially on the south side of Peoria. That's what we're praying about that's the whole reason why we have come together is to address the problem. I feel sorry for people a lot of them don't know anything about god."

Pastor Preston says the 40 days of prayer is just the beginning of their efforts, the church is actually putting together a committee called push for peace to help build stronger relationships with in the community.

"United praise and worship service that we're trying to bridge a unity not only between the church community and also the community at large."

Pastor Preston hopes that unity will reduce the amount of caution tape used for violent situation in 2008.

But by this being one of the first reported shootings he feels the 40 days of prayer is working and will continue to work.

"The situation could have been a whole lot worse if we were not praying."

"We're looking forward to what is going to come as a result of the whole 40 days and not just an isolated incident."