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 U.S.) 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 nine 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. Seventy-seven 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 worshipping at Christ’s throne.
