CALLING THE CHURCH TO
PRAYER AND FASTING
between a strong prayer life and an effective ministry. They Prayer Teams
understood that there were secrets of prayer that unlocked the The pastor can also build a praying church by forming
door to heaven’s glory, and they wanted in on those secrets. prayer teams. At College Park, we have a sanctuary prayer team
Much about praying is easily understood. Even nonbelievers that meets for Sunday morning preservice prayer. This team of
know that a heavenward glance and cry from the heart is readily intercessors also assists me in the altar ministry during corporate
heard by the Lord. But the principles of prayer are much broader worship services. The pastor’s prayer team is offered to the mem-
than simply crying out to God. There are principles of interces- bers of our local church that desire to uphold the pastor and his
sion that are connected to prayer, including persistence, passion, family in prayer on a regular basis. (I communicate special
faith, agreement, listening, waiting, and purity; and when Chris- prayer needs with this group of intercessors via e-mail.) Then, as
tians are taught how to implement these principles, they will be the church catches the vision to pray, God will speak to certain
more prone to catch the vision for praying. people—gifted to lead others in prayer—and laity-led prayer
groups will form.
Provide a Place of Prayer
Consider how church facilities are designed to accommodate
The Power of Prayer
ministry and outreach. The sanctuary is designed for corporate The apostle Paul clearly understood the power of prayer.
worship; thus, it employs pews, altars, a choir loft, musical Paul constantly appealed to fellow believers to pray for him:
instruments, a platform, and a pulpit. The Christian Education • “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words
department is filled with chairs, lecterns, marker boards, and may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mys-
media equipment. Churches also have fellowship halls, gymnasi- tery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:19).
ums, and youth buildings; and each is suited to fulfill its respec- • “Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea
tive purpose. While it is appropriate for churches to design their and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints
facilities accordingly, Christ has articulated an unambiguous there” (Romans 15:31).
commission for His church to be a “house of prayer.” At the • “Brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may
beckon of Christ’s words, churches should be fully motivated to spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you” (2 Thes-
provide a specifically designed place of prayer. salonians 3:1).
It is understood that the options for finding space for prayer • “Pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our mes-
in an already maxed-out facility could pose a problem. But the sage, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which
urgency to build a praying church is greater than any excuse for I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should”
not providing a place for prayer. In searching for a prayer (Colossians 4:3-4).
room/chapel, consider the largest available room. Seekers need Paul solicited prayer for his ministry because he understood
personal space to cry out to God; they need space to walk, kneel, what propelled the kingdom of God forward and brought God’s
and lie prostrate. And while a stand-alone prayer room/chapel is glory. That truth applies today. When believers join together in a
optimum, it is not out of the question that this room be multi- mighty force of intercession, doors of ministry will open and
functional. Even the church sanctuary can be promoted as the God’s glory will be poured out.
primary place of prayer for believers to gather during the week. How can we as pastors expect the local church to operate
The bottom line is, do whatever is necessary to provide a specific with God’s grace, power, favor, and blessing without being
place of prayer at the church. mighty in prayer? While today’s churches are adept at special-
ized ministries, outreach programs, music, and drama, we must
Corporate Prayer
not neglect the ministry of prayer and intercession. May all our
To prioritize prayer in the local church, it is imperative that pastors prioritize a strategy for prayer in their churches!
the pastor organize special prayer services and opportunities for “Seek the Lord and live” (Amos 5:6).
prayer. These opportunities can be formatted in various ways: a
Sunday evening prayer service; monthly prayer services; early *Scriptures are from the New International Version.
morning prayer in the sanctuary; and prayer groups convening at
the church, a home, or a community center. The Yoido Full
Gospel Church in Seoul, Korea, conducts a 10 p.m. Friday prayer
Robert D. (Chip) Pace serves as pastor
service with over 15,000 seekers attending. Even with seven Sun-
of the College Park Church of God in
day services, it is reported that Pastor David Yonggi Cho’s mem-
Huntsville, Alabama.
bers consider the Friday night service to be their favorite.
EVANGEL • MAR 2008 9
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