Pastors, Athletes, Celebs Ask Followers to Pray for Oklahoma on Twitter

By Jane White
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Teachers carry children away from Briarwood Elementary school after a tornado destroyed the school in south Oklahoma City Paul Hellstern/The Oklahoman via AP

One of the deadliest tornadoes in history hit the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore on Monday afternoon, leaving dozens dead, more than 200 injured, and entire neighborhoods flattened.

Pastors, politicians and celebrities responded with prayers and support for the victims via Twitter. #PrayForOklahoma trended most of Monday and into Tuesday morning.

Pope Francis has called for prayers to the people of Oklahoma. "I am close to the families of all who died in the Oklahoma tornado, especially those who lost young children. Join me in praying for them," Pope Francis tweeted to his 2.5 million followers.

Below are some of the tweets by pastors, athletes and celebrities:

Pastor Rick Warren: "Please pray for everyone in Oklahoma City right now. #Tornado"

Jeremy Lin: "And wow...just heard about the tragedy in OK. Prayers up for sure!!"

Boston Catholic: "Our prayers go out to all in Oklahoma suffering from tornado devastation today and all in the path of extreme weather. #PrayforOK"

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: "Oklahoma City and others impacted by these devastating tornadoes, you're in our prayers. Please join us lifting up these residents."

Kevin Durant of the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team: "Praying for everyone in Oklahoma City. This is crazy!"

Serge Ibaka of the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team: “Watching the news on @koconews and praying for all the people affected by the tornadoes and storms. I hope everyone stays safe #okwx"

For those whom grew up in the Oklahoma area, the storm has had an even more profound effect.

Toby Keith, country music star and Oklahoma native who grew up in Moore wrote:

"This storm has devastated the community that I grew up in. I rode my bike through those neighborhoods. I have family and friends in Moore. My heart and prayers go to those that have lost so much. But Moore is strong and we will persevere. God be with you all."

Carrie Underwood, country music star and Checotah native tweeted:

"Growing up in tornado alley, you always know what could happen....It doesn’t change how devastating it is when something does happen. I’m thinking about and praying for my beautiful home state and the people in it tonight.”

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