Mark Rutland is adding his leadership support to the 2011 Day of Prayer
Mark Rutland, the president of Oral Roberts University and a best-selling author, has joined the Day of Prayer. The event is observed on the first Sunday of every October. This global grassroots prayer movement, led by Robert Stearns and Jack Hayford, calls Christians to unite in prayer across denominational, cultural and political differences on Sunday, Oct. 2.
Prayers will ask for God’s peace, blessing and provision on Jerusalem and its people. Last year, churches in more than 175 nations—including seven predominantly Muslim countries—participated in this multinational and religiously diverse prayer initiative, and prayer resources were translated into some 23 languages.
“Prayer for peace anywhere is blessed,” Rutland says. “Prayer for Jerusalem anytime is blessed. Prayer for the peace of Jerusalem is the perfect match.”
More than 1,200 leaders who are endorsing this year’s day of prayer—including Paul Cedar, Ron Luce, Kay Arthur, Jane Hansen, T.D. Jakes and Ravi Zacharias—represent numerous cultures, denominations and generations. An exciting new development is the spread of this prayer movement at colleges.
“As these global challenges arise, God is present,” says Stearns, co-chair of the event.” His response has been to stir the hearts of Christians from China to Germany and from Kenya to Brazil to raise their voices in fervent intercession with His Son on behalf of Jerusalem and all her inhabitants, both Jew and Arab alike.”
Like Stearns, Hayford of The Foursquare Church, Rutland and others who lend their name and support to this prayer initiative say that intercession must be coupled with practical support for all who suffer in this region.
Stearns has developed a practical channel for support for all those in need from the region through the Jerusalem Fund. On Oct. 2, many participating churches will take up a special collection for this fund as a way to express God’s love to Jews, Arabs and Christians alike in Jerusalem.
