Let’s Answer Jesus’ Prayer Together On May 31st

By Zachary Fay

“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.”

These words, spoken many years ago by Martin Luther King Jr., are exceedingly relevant today. Prayer infuses the believer with energizing joy and enduring peace. It is a powerful conduit into the very life of God, the One in Whom we find purpose for our own lives. Just as air sustains human life, prayer sustains an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ.

However, a tragic reality is that the individualism characterized by Western culture has permeated Christian experience. Easily dismissing communal privileges and responsibilities such as corporate prayer is now common practice. Yes, we may have some prayer meetings in our churches, but rarely do we ever step outside of our denominations to recognize how grand and diverse God’s family truly is. Rarely do we pray and worship Christ with others from different churches, races, and income levels. Rarely do we act upon Jesus’ prayer in John 17, that Christians everywhere be united so that the world may know the Father’s love. Do we not recognize that we can be a part of answering Jesus’ prayer?

The good news is that times are changing! Nine years ago, a South African businessman had a vision of Christians from all denominations united in prayer and repentance. Thus, the Global Day of Prayer was birthed. Each year since, on Pentecost Sunday, Christians from all backgrounds have gathered in stadiums, auditoriums, and churches to pray for repentance, healing, and community transformation. Last year hundreds of millions of Christians from 214 nations congregated worldwide to pray in the largest single-day prayer effort of all time.

Preceding each year’s prayer gathering are the 10 Days of Prayer where smaller prayer meetings throughout each city encourage unity, fellowship, and momentum for the day itself. Following the Global Day of Prayer is the 90 Days of Blessing, where believers offer their time, talent, and treasure to serve and bless their cities and communities.

St. Louis has taken part in this massive prayer effort since 2005. And, this year is no different. On May 31st from 4 to 6 p.m. in St. Louis University’s Chaifetz Arena, Christians from area churches, high schools, colleges, youth groups, and ministries will meet to lift up the name of Jesus. Anyone who believes the Apostle’s Creed is invited to come and participate in this worldwide prayer effort.

This year’s Global Day of Prayer will include opportunities for liturgical, responsive, small group, and silent prayer, as well as vibrant praise and worship. The following 90 Days of Blessing will be focused on helping St. Louis’ homeless through the ministries of the St. Patrick Center and Habitat for Humanity. Come be a part of this prayer effort. Do not allow Western individualism, apathy, or your comfort zone discourage your participation. Mark your calendars now. Encourage your friends and your church to attend.

How often do we ask Jesus to answer our prayers? Yet, with the Global Day of Prayer, we have the opportunity to be an answer to His prayer. God listens to our prayers. Isn’t it time we listen to His?

For more information regarding the St. Louis Global Day of Prayer visit their website at www.praystl.org or call 314-783-0078.

Zachary Fay is the founder of Kingdom Scene Endeavors LLC, an organization created to impart Christian faith, values and leadership among kids aged 7 to 13.  For more information, e-mail zach@kingdomscene.com.