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A Call to Prayer
K. Allan Blume, BR Editor
August 14, 2012
4 MIN READ TIME

A Call to Prayer

A Call to Prayer
K. Allan Blume, BR Editor
August 14, 2012

Prayer was clearly a major part of Christ’s life and teachings. As preachers like to point out, it was the only thing the disciples asked Jesus to teach them, according to Luke 11:1. Either His prayer life or the results of His prayers must have made an impression on them.

This raises a question. Is my prayer life or the results of my prayers making an impact on others? Are others moved by the prayers of the church? We can always point to some answered prayers, but we are praying too little and therefore seeing few answers?

Prayer has always been important to me. But I’ve noticed something. Many people in the body of Christ have been calling for public gatherings of prayer much more than usual.

The National Day of Prayer organization is promoting “Pray for America” through a unique website featuring actor Kirk Cameron. They are calling for a solemn assembly in Washington, D.C., labeled “The Summons” on Oct. 3-7. Believers are encouraged to make a commitment to pray for America through their website, commit2pray.com.

Life Action Ministries has launched a website focusing on a call to prayer. The OneCry.com website asks you to, “Join churches nationwide this fall and focus on spiritual awakening.”

The OneCry movement has encouraged participation in several national prayer movements this year, but they are highlighting a particular prayer event in our state. The website says, “Charlotte714 is a call to the church of Charlotte to a 40 day fast culminating with a special city-wide gathering the night before the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Labor Day Weekend.

“Charlotte714 is not a political event or a protest or demonstration. It is a gathering of believers seeking spiritual renewal in the church through biblical repentance. We humbly bow in Jesus’ name requesting that He hear from heaven, forgive our sins, and heal our land.”

The event kicks off Sept. 2 in the Verizon Amphitheater. Bob Lowman, executive director of the Metrolina Baptist Association said, “In the Charlotte area, there has been an ongoing prayer effort for many years, seeking God for revival and spiritual awakening. My prayer is that Charlotte714 will be a moment when Christians and the church of the city and region will unite in worship and intercession, seeking the Lord in humility and repentance.

“Could it be that this is part of the answer to Jesus’ prayer in John 17 that we may be one, united, so that the world would know the Father has sent the Son? I pray so, and look forward to seeing what God will do as we humble ourselves, seek His face, turn from our wicked ways, and pray. It would be amazing to see believers from across the Carolinas join us in prayer that day – not to cheer on a political figure, but to bow before the King of Kings together.”

Churches of many denominations are supporting the vision of Charlotte714. They are preparing for ministry during the DNC, including the prayer effort beforehand in the 40 days leading up to the Labor Day event.

On another front, have you noticed the call to prayer issued by the leadership, officers and program committee of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina? They have communicated a call to prayer for 30 days in October in anticipation of our annual meeting in Greensboro, Nov. 12-13.

“Awaken” is the theme of the convention. But, a theme like that requires a strong foundation of prayer. A video, booklet and materials for use as a prayer guide are available on a special website, NCannualmeeting.org/prayer. This is a prayer movement every N.C. Baptist should join.

Many other organizations and churches are calling for prayer. I strongly encourage you to lead your church to join these prayer movements and set special times for prayer this fall.

It is an understatement to say that our nation needs prayer, our churches need prayer, and we need prayer.