Spring in Oklahoma brings tornado season. We wait out the storms in our hallways, hoping that when the sirens stop our homes will have escaped damage. It’s a good time to contemplate the sheer power and force of wind. Imagine being present at Pentecost, as it is recorded in Acts 2:2: “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.” And just like that, believers came to know the presence of the Holy Spirit. Now, that’s a wind I can get used to!
Sadly, in our current culture, “I’m praying for you” has become a rather trite statement that simply means, “I’m thinking nice thoughts about you.” It’s often misunderstood and misused. Truth is, prayer is a powerful and precious resource that Christians have at our disposal. Yet, we often want to hit the pavement and make our own way, rather than hit our knees and seek His way.
Reaching unreached people with the Gospel is a work that hinges on the consistent, focused prayers of the Church. One missionary couple devised a concept which they call House of Prayer for the Nations, and it’s a model that we are adapting and promoting at MMR.
House of Prayer can be held at any venue: private home, church building, etc. It’s a time for a small group of believers to come together in concentrated prayer for Unreached People Groups, the workers among them, and the circumstances that surround them. Participants can pace themselves through self-guided prayer, visiting several stations set up around the house. Each station is devoted to a specific people group, and may include pictures, prayer requests, and basic facts about the people. The time may conclude with refreshments, discussion, corporate prayer, and/or worship. There are many different ways this model can be adapted to fit your small group needs.
In Isaiah 56:7, God says “my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” Fittingly, the context of this verse is God reaching out to those formerly excluded from salvation! What a beautiful picture of how we should view the marginalized and oppressed people in Restricted Access Areas! If you would like more information about how to conduct your own House of Prayer event, please contact the MMR office.