The majority of Americans (58 percent) say they pray at least once a day, and 82 percent believe in the healing power of prayer, according to recent studies. Movies featuring prayer such as War Room and Miracles from Heaven are winning at the box office. In a new trend, prayer in America is expanding locations from the private “prayer room” to group prayer. In 2016, there are a record number of national events including the National Day of Prayer, World Day of Prayer, United Cry DC16, Azusa Street Revival, Rez Week, The Response and dozens more.
“There are more large prayer gatherings in 2016 than I’ve seen in 26 years of ministry,” says David Butts, President of Harvest Prayer Ministries and Chairman of America’s National Prayer Committee. “I’ve seen waves of prayer before but in addition to filling stadiums, this year there is exceptional collaboration among diverse streams of faith.”
On April 9 at the Lincoln Memorial, United Cry DC16 is gathering pastors and Christian leaders from diverse backgrounds to pray for America. “People know that America is in crisis and prayer should be our first response,” states Lewis Hogan, Cofounder United Cry DC16. “We are honored by the incredible support from thousands of pastors and national leaders who are coming to United Cry to pray for our nation.”
Participation in prayer events is growing. “In 2016 we are anticipating the largest National Day of Prayer in US history with more than 49,000 prayer gatherings,” says John Bornschein, Vice Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. “Over the last five years we charted a 226 percent increase in engagement, which is the largest growth in 25 years.”
Technology is helping build the movement. In January 2016, the Pope released the first monthly prayer video. Campus Renewal is connecting 40 college campuses via satellite for united prayer, worship, and outreach during their national “Rez Week.”
United Cry DC16 on April 9 will be a seven-hour prayer event that will challenge pastors and leaders to be the spiritual prayer leaders in their communities. The prayer focus of the event includes critical areas of national division and building bridges of hope. United Cry DC16 has launched a Prayer Proclamation asking believers to agree to pray for America.
Bishop Harry Jackson, Senior Pastor of Hope Christian Church is encouraging pastors to participate. “I am coming to United Cry16 because our nation is in this critical place,” Jackson said. “At the same time that I am concerned for America, there is the sound of a spiritual drum beating in the distance. It’s the sound of repentance, humility and revival. Jesus is standing at our door, asking us to let Him in.”
One of the fastest growing trends over the last decade has been the evolution of “Houses of Prayer,” which include continual live worship and prayer. According to spokespersons from Kansas City’s International House of Prayer, in 10 years the number of 24/7 Houses of Prayer has grown from 24 to over 10,000 worldwide.
