As we read the New Testament, we become aware rather quickly that the early church devoted herself to prayer. Some of this prayer was done alone as individuals. Some of it was done in groups small and large.

Let me make two observations on the church in America today:

1. Many, if not most churches do not give much time to prayer in the regular worship service.
2. Many leaders find it is hard to gather more than a few people for a special time of prayer.

When then do we devote ourselves to group prayer — that special time of united agreement when we can focus on larger requests? When do we ask for the really important issues that require more than one believer praying alone?

There is a move across the church back to prevailing prayer before God. You may already know how to do that, and your church may already be doing it. However, for those who feel the need to learn more, have we got a deal for you!

You remember that Jesus was grieved when He entered the temple and rebuked the leaders because it was written in Isaiah that “My house shall be called a house of prayer.” Mark even says that Jesus taught them that God’s house should be a house of prayer.

The IPHC’s Arise in Prayer initiative is calling all of our churches to be houses of prayer, and it is already producing much fruit.

• Many of us have already been watching the Arise in Prayer webinars with our prayer consultant Doug Small (found at https://iphc.org/ariseinprayer). There is another one this Thursday, 2/18/2021 at 6:00 pm CST, but you must register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BdfjBOGeTwKYMslWM1VnPQ.
• Several of us have read one or more books by Doug Small.
• A few of us have attended a Prayer Summit in person.
• Some Heartland churches are in the process of becoming houses of prayer.

The next milestone we are looking at is for 20% of IPHC churches to begin functioning as houses of prayer. In the Heartland we only need 15 churches to reach this step.

Is the Holy Spirit calling you to lead your church into becoming a house of prayer? Let us know so we can unite in this common goal. You will begin by guiding your congregation through the book Prayer: The Heart of It All by Doug Small. We will also invite you to study this powerful book together in small groups with other Heartland ministers!

Join us in this journey today!