International (MNN) — The Global Day of Prayer falls on Pentecost
Sunday, June 12 this year.
Pioneers, along with many other groups, is asking believers to take part in the vigil as Christians in almost every country will
assemble to pray. Many will gather in small groups in
homes, local churches, and businesses, but there are also plans in the works for
assemblies in large stadiums and other public venues. In some places,
television, radio and internet will help to connect and align our prayers.
The challenge: to
mobilize an all-year-round prayer movement.
The history of the Global Day of Prayer (not to be confused
with the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church in November, or May's National Day of Prayer in the USA) stems from a South African
Christian businessman, Graham Power.
Ten years ago, he had a burden to call his fellow countrymen
to be united in a Day of Repentance and Prayer. By March 2001, he'd shared his vision with more than 45,000 Christians in
Cape Town. They united for a Day of
Repentance and Prayer at Newlands Rugby Stadium.
It was a day of intense intercession that transformed lives
and was reflected in their communities. The group then wanted to expand the prayer vigil to cover the rest of
South Africa, and they began planning immediately to include the other eight
provinces for 2002.
Later that year, leaders of 9 African countries agreed on
the vision "Africa for Christ." Across
the African continent, millions of Christians were inspired to participate in
the process of transforming Africa. 77 South African regions and 27 African
countries committed to a Day of Repentance and Prayer for Africa on May 1, 2003.
Every year since then, more and more people united in
Christ have joined the effort. By May
2010, Christians from around the world
united in prayer in Cape Town, where everything started. Millions from 220
nations once again gathered in their own nations.
Ask God to unite believers and advance His Kingdom, bringing closer the Revelation 7:9 reality of every nation, tongue and tribe worshiping
at Christ's throne.
