I have been a part of a 24/7 prayer endeavor for our nation that began on Nov. 11, 2016. This assignment is ending this weekend but some of those involved in this group are taking the initiative to continue to cover our nation in 24/7 prayer in the same format. 

I am sure there are many prayer efforts, as well as individuals who feel strongly the need to continue to pray for our country. I think we are in a different time period where more people are realizing not only the importance of prayer but the absolute necessity to not quit.

When 9/11 happened, there was a wakeup call issued by the Lord but the saints as a whole “dropped the ball” and went back to living life as they had before. There is always a groundswell of prayer around any national crisis, but it never seems to be sustained by the majority. 

The elections were so divisive for our country. Many people were praying that somehow God would pour out His mercy on us once again. That is probably the theme I heard more than any other for at least six months prior to our national elections. Some believe that God did intervene on our behalf and others became so angry or discouraged or hopeless as a result of the election results. And people on both sides of the issues are Christians, so it threw even more confusion into the mix for some.

I have always valued corporate prayer — praying with others who can come into agreement for the lives and destinies of other people, communities and even nations. Books — many, many books have been written for hundreds of years on the vast subject of prayer. I have gained much understanding and insight from these resources, but the most effective teacher for me has been actually praying with others. I have grown in my own prayer life as a result of praying with others, particularly those who are more experienced or who feel like that is one of the things the Lord has really called them to dedicate their lives to.

Prayer meetings that are truly dedicated to prayer (not a Bible study that is called a prayer meeting) are usually the least attended meeting in most any local church, no matter what denomination. Why is that? I think several reasons could include not really seeing the kind of answers that were expected and so less anticipation and expectation is manifested among those who continue to come faithfully. Disappointment and discouragement can cause people to quit before the breakthrough occurs. Many come because it is expected of them by the pastor but really have no strong inclination to pray until we see answers to our petitions.

Once I began to understand there is a difference between praying from my mind/intellect and allowing Holy Spirit who lives within my spirit to teach me how to pray according to what was on the Father’s heart at that time, it has changed everything. When I am praying with others who are also praying from their spirit, our prayer times come to life. When we manage to tune into the Father’s heart together we move into another dimension of expectation and anticipation. 

I have seen more answers to prayer in this kind of a corporate setting than I ever did for the years and years I only prayed from my own intellect and observations. My faith level has risen exponentially when I am praying with other believers who also understand this dynamic of prayer. There is no church or denomination that has a “corner on the market” of corporate prayer, but anyone who learns how to yield their personal agenda in prayer and submit to Holy Spirit’s leading, will never be “bored” at a prayer meeting. The more you learn to pray this way with other believers, on a regular basis, the more sensitive to Holy Spirit you become. Knowing that we are laboring together with each other and with Holy Spirit to see the Father’s will manifest on the earth is a joy beyond words.

Prayer meetings may still stay small compared to other meetings and activities scheduled by the church, but there are other relationships the Lord may open up for you to pray together, like the 24/7 prayer call I am on for an hour each day (via conference call technology). There are usually 25-35 people on the line at this time from all over the U.S. For some of them in Alaska, California or Washington state, it is still the wee hours of the morning, but these dear brothers and sisters are on because they want to be. We are seeing many specific answers to our prayers of agreement as we seek the face of God together.

The scriptures talk about the power of agreement. It only takes two or three to come into true agreement and see specific results. If you are an adventurous person, the unlimited adventures and possibilities in prayer make pursuing this appealing. When we know that we are partnering with God to see His will accomplished here on this earth, what higher privilege could we ask for. Ask Him to give you a few people to begin to pray with, who want to move beyond routine and “go where no man has gone before.” 

I actually look forward and anticipate each one of these prayer adventures I am on with different people (I am on several calls with a smaller number of other likeminded intercessors). I am still learning and the Lord still wants to teach all of us to pray more effectually.