To mark the 15th anniversary of “Prayer on the 9,” Pastor John F. Hannah and New Life Covenant SE have purchased a former liquor store on 79th and Cottage Grove, turning it into the “Corner of Life”—a hub for health, healing, and community renewal on Chicago’s South Side (Photo Credit: Nicole Joseph).
One of the most powerful signs that summer has arrived in Chicago is the annual Prayer on the 9—a citywide movement of hope, unity and purpose led by Senior Pastor John F. Hannah of New Life Covenant Southeast (SE). Each year, thousands gather along 79th Street in the Greater Grand Crossing community to form a human prayer chain, asking for peace, protection and progress for the city, especially for its youth and families.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of Prayer on the 9, and it comes with a bold, game-changing twist.
A Historic Purchase: From “Happy Liquors” to the “Corner of Life”
New Life Covenant SE has officially purchased the former Happy Liquors, a long-standing liquor store located at the corner of 79th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue—a location once known for high crime, substance abuse and brokenness. The same corner Pastor Hannah and the church have prayed over for years will now become a symbol of transformation and hope.
In celebration, Ald. Michelle A. Harris (8th) shared on social media:
“Great news, everyone! I am thrilled to share that Happy’s Liquors has been sold to new owners who are highly respected members of our community. The new owners have fantastic plans for the store and the location that will NOT involve liquor.”
Be a Part of the Movement – Join the March
A “Prayer on the 9” march (
Despite the exciting changes, the heart of the event remains the same. Participants are encouraged to arrive by 11 a.m. at either Greenwood or Mahalia Jackson Court (State Street) for information or block assignments. Those already assigned should report directly to their designated locations.
- Prayer will begin promptly at noon.
- A rolling march will follow, with participants converging at Cottage Grove for a 12:30 p.m. rally and a ceremonial removal of the Happy Liquors sign.
- Remarks will be given by Pastor Hannah, Mayor Brandon Johnson, other elected officials and community leaders.
- From 1–3 p.m., the celebration continues at 79th and Greenwood with a community resource fair, music, food and more.
- Participants are encouraged to wear red shirts, though it is not required.
Shuttle service will be available to transport participants back to New Life Covenant SE, with pickup stops at Greenwood, Cottage Grove, King Drive and State Street.
Why This Matters: The Significance of Prayer on the 9 and the ‘Corner of Life’
The old Happy Liquors, which will be transformed into a a hub for health, healing, and community renewal (Photo Credit: Nicole Joseph).
Prayer on the 9 is more than a march. It’s a movement.
It’s the city coming together with a shared vision: a safer, stronger, more vibrant Chicago. Each year, people of all backgrounds unite to pray against violence, uplift the youth and spark lasting change.
And this year, the march becomes a milestone—because the prayer spoken over that corner for years has now become answered prayer in action.
What was once a hotbed for crime is now being redeemed as the “Corner of Life”—a place dedicated to health, healing and community.
Pastor Hannah was clear on what was coming to the “Corner of Life.”
This will be more than just a symbolic name change. The vision includes:
A grocery store offering fresh meat, fruits and vegetables: “We already have a food pantry that serves over 500 families weekly. But this will be different—a full grocery store with fresh food, fresh meat and healthy choices. Our community has been a food desert for too long.”
A dental office providing essential oral healthcare: To give the community access to the quality oral care they deserve.
A medical center: “When it comes to healthcare, we’re not doing this alone. We’re partnering with respected medical organizations that will bring in doctors and nurses. We’re removing the burden from residents and meeting them where they are—with dignity.”
A mental health and counseling center. One of the most impactful components of this transformation is the focus on mental health. Pastor Hannah highlighted the disparities in access and trust: “There’s a stigma around therapy in the Black community. Many don’t seek help because therapists aren’t from our culture or community. But now, we’re bringing those services right here—led by people who understand and can truly connect.”
A Call to Action: It Takes a Village
Pastor Hannah emphasized that this vision will not happen overnight. “This is a multi-million-dollar project. It will take time, planning and the voices of the community to bring it to life. We’re not doing this for the community—we’re doing it with the community.”
From Prayer to Progress
The transformation of Happy Liquors into the Corner of Life is not just about a building—it’s about breaking cycles. It’s a declaration that violence doesn’t get to define us, that healing is possible and that faith in action can reshape the future.
So don’t just read about it. Be a part of it. March. Pray. Build. Glide forward.