Global Week of Prayer - RECAP
From September 1 to 7, we had an amazing time praying the hours together on line as part of the 24-7 Prayer Global Week of Prayer. What a blessing to be part of a world-wide focus on prayer alongside 2175 prayer rooms in 132 countries including 53 prayer rooms in Canada.
Here are some numbers that summarize our week together:
1 week - We prayed online four times a day for seven days from September 1 to 7.
3 Coasts - Friends joined us from the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic coasts!
4 Countries - Friends from other countries joined us including the US, South Africa and a country in north Africa.
7 Themes - We focused on a different prayer theme each day of the week.
15 Hosts - We are blessed by a strong prayerful community at GOHOP. A variety of people hosted prayer times throughout the week.
28 Prayer Times - At 6 am, noon, 6 pm and midnight we prayed together each day.
160 Participants - What a blessing to pray with so many friends several times a day!
We grew in an appreciation for our need for regular prayer rhythms. We were reminded of the joy of praying together. We were encouraged by meeting new friends across the country and around the world.
We look forward to seeing how God answers the countless prayers that our brothers and sisters around the world prayed during the Global Week of Prayer!
We continue to pray …
Lord, show us your glory!
PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Father of the nations, we join with our global family, lifting voices and hearts to you, the Creator, who reigns over all. Please hear our prayer:
Lord, show us your glory.
Come quickly, shine brightly, illuminate every part of the world. May your glory be revealed by the power of the Holy Spirit, and your Son, Jesus, exalted across the earth.
Lord, show us your glory.
Strengthen your church, may it be a light in the darkness. Where there is weakness, give strength. Where there is fear, grant courage. And where there is despair, ignite hope.
Lord, show us your glory.
We ask for new life to spring forth, for joy to overflow and your kingdom to come. Help us to find our voice and empower our witness that we might proclaim your truth.
Lord, show us your glory.
Shine your light into the darkness, transform our nations, heal our land, and bring peace to all. Jesus, reveal yourself as the way, the truth, and the life throughout your beautiful planet.
Lord, show us your glory.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
DAILY Prayer Themes
Scroll down to see an explanation of each daily prayer theme, suggested Scriptures for reflection, tips for each prayer focus and a closing prayer.
MONDAY - A Call to Prayer for the Nations
This theme focuses on God's heart for all people and cultures. It's a time to lift up unreached people groups, missionaries, and global crises, recognizing that God's kingdom is worldwide.
Scripture to Meditate On:
Psalm 67:1-2: This verse beautifully connects God's blessing on His people with His desire for all nations to know Him.
May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine on us—
so that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.
Matthew 28:19-20: This passage, known as the Great Commission, is Jesus' direct command to His followers to go and make disciples of all nations, highlighting the global scope of His mission.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Psalm 46:10: This verse encourages us to "be still, and know that I am God," and reminds us that He "will be exalted among the nations," anchoring our prayers in His ultimate sovereignty over the world.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.Revelation 7:9: This vision of "a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language" worshiping God shows us the future reality that our prayers for the nations are helping to bring about.
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.
Tips for Praying:
Use a world map like the Joshua Project to focus on specific unreached people groups. Pray for their salvation, for local believers, and for workers to be sent.
Pray for specific countries facing persecution, natural disasters, or political turmoil. Ask for God's peace, protection for believers, and opportunities for the gospel to spread.
Pray for missionaries and global workers, asking for their physical protection, spiritual strength, and fruitful ministry.
Concluding Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we lift up the nations of the world to You. We pray for every tribe, tongue, and nation to know and worship Your name. Send your laborers into the harvest fields, and break down barriers so that Your gospel can be proclaimed freely. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done in every nation on earth as it is in heaven, for Your glory. Amen.
TUESDAY - A Call to Persistence
This theme reminds us that we shouldn't give up in prayer, even when the answers don't come right away. It's about cultivating a spirit of faith and perseverance, trusting in God’s perfect timing and wisdom.
Scriptures to Meditate On:
Luke 18:1-8: The parable of the persistent widow is Jesus' primary teaching on why we should never give up on prayer, assuring us that God, unlike the unjust judge, is eager to respond to our persistent faith.
1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’
4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”
6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: This simple yet profound command to "pray without ceasing" encourages a continuous, persistent dialogue with God throughout our daily lives.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 11:6: This passage teaches that "without faith it is impossible to please God," and that He "rewards those who earnestly seek Him," directly linking persistence in seeking Him with faith.
Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Tips for Praying:
Share personal stories of times God answered a prayer after a long period of waiting. This builds corporate faith.
Share things that you have been praying for for a long time. Pray for each other’s requests, encouraging one another to not give up hope.
Acknowledge the feelings of discouragement that can arise from unanswered prayers and ask the Holy Spirit for renewed strength and faith.
Concluding Prayer:
Gracious God, we thank You for the privilege of coming to You in prayer, even when we don't understand Your timing. Strengthen our faith and help us to persevere, believing that You hear us and that Your plans are perfect. Help us to not lose heart but to trust in Your goodness and faithfulness, knowing that You will answer in Your way and in Your time. Amen.
WEDNESDAY - The Power of Prayer
This prayer focus centers on the transformative power of prayer, not as a magical formula, but as a dynamic and powerful connection to God. We'll explore how prayer changes us and our circumstances.
Scripture to Meditate On:
James 5:16: This verse explicitly states that "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working," confirming that prayer is an active force that produces results.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Ephesians 3:20-21: This passage reminds us that God is "able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine," demonstrating that our prayers tap into a limitless and transformative power.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Philippians 4:6-7: This passage reveals prayer's power to bring about inner transformation, promising that "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding," will guard our hearts and minds when we bring our requests to Him.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Tips for Praying:
Begin with a time of corporate confession, clearing the way for powerful prayer by seeking forgiveness.
Pray for specific, "big" things, like healing for a friend or a breakthrough in a difficult situation, to build faith in God's power.
Pray for personal transformation—for God to change our hearts, attitudes, and desires to align with His.
Concluding Prayer:
Almighty God, we stand in awe of Your power and the privilege of partnering with You through prayer. We believe that You are able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. Unleash Your power in our lives, our church, and our communities. We pray for miracles and breakthroughs, trusting that as we pray, You are at work. May Your name be glorified in all things. Amen.
THURSDAY - Praying for New Life
This theme is a celebration of spiritual rebirth and a time to pray for salvation for friends, family, and our communities. It's a reminder of the joy of "new life in Christ."
Scripture to Meditate On:
John 3:5-7: This is Jesus' foundational teaching on the necessity of spiritual rebirth, explaining that "no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again," and this is the work of the Holy Spirit.
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[b] gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’
2 Corinthians 5:17: This verse beautifully describes the result of new life in Christ, stating that "if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come," and "the old has gone, the new is here!"
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Ezekiel 36:26: This prophecy of a new covenant promises that God will give us a "new heart" and "a new spirit" by taking away our heart of stone and replacing it with a heart of flesh.
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
Tips for Praying:
Create a list of specific people you know who don't have a relationship with Christ and pray for them by name.
Pray for God to soften hearts, remove spiritual blindness, and send believers into their lives to share the gospel.
Pray for a harvest of souls in your city, neighborhood, or workplace.
Concluding Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we pray for the new life that only You can give. We lift up our friends and family who do not yet know You. Break through every spiritual barrier and draw them to Yourself. Send Your Holy Spirit to open their eyes to Your truth and to give them the gift of faith. May they confess You as Lord and receive the new life You offer. Amen.
FRIDAY - God’s Presence Goes with Us
This meeting is about finding comfort and confidence in the unwavering presence of God. It's especially relevant for those facing transitions, challenges, or moments of uncertainty.
Scripture to Meditate On:
Exodus 33:14: God's promise to Moses assures us of His constant companionship, which brings peace and security.
The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 28:18-20: As part of the Great Commission, Jesus promises His presence, providing His followers with an unwavering assurance of His presence as they carry out His mission.
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Psalm 139:7-10: The psalmist reflects on the inescapable nature of God's presence, asking, "Where can I go from your Spirit?" and affirming that even in the most remote places, God's hand will guide and hold them.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
Tips for Praying:
Begin with a time of quiet reflection, allowing participants to feel and acknowledge God's presence in the room and in their lives.
Pray for people who are feeling alone, anxious, or fearful, reminding them that they are never truly alone because God is with them.
Pray for wisdom and guidance, knowing that God's presence is what directs our path.
Concluding Prayer:
Faithful Father, we thank You that Your presence is our constant companion. We do not walk through life's challenges alone, for You are with us. Quiet our fears and anxieties with the assurance that You go before us and are a rear guard behind us. May we feel Your nearness and find our rest and comfort in Your presence. Lead us, guide us, and sustain us. Amen.
SATURDAY - Justice and Prayer
This prayer time focuses on God's heart for justice and how we can partner with Him through prayer to bring about fairness and righteousness in the world.
Scripture to Meditate On:
Isaiah 1:17: This passage provides a clear mandate to "seek justice, correct oppression," establishing that our prayers for justice must be paired with our active pursuit of righteousness.
Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow.
Micah 6:8: This verse outlines a summary of God’s will for His people, commanding us to "act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God," which are all things we can pray for and live out.
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
Luke 18:7-8: In the parable of the persistent widow, Jesus explicitly connects persistent prayer to God’s willingness to grant justice to His people.
7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?
Tips for Praying:
Pray for specific social justice issues, such as human trafficking, racial injustice, or poverty.
Pray for political leaders and those in authority to enact just laws and policies.
Pray for the Church to be a voice for the voiceless and to be actively engaged in doing justice.
Concluding Prayer:
Righteous God, we are grieved by the injustice and oppression in our world. We pray that Your kingdom would come and Your righteousness would reign. Give us a heart that beats for what breaks Yours. We pray for the oppressed, the vulnerable, and the forgotten. Empower us to not only pray but to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with You. Amen.
SUNDAY - Empowered for Mission
This prayer theme is about being sent out, filled with the Holy Spirit's power to fulfil the Great Commission. It’s a call to move from passive prayer to active mission.
Scripture to Meditate On:
Acts 1:8: This passage is the key text for this theme, as Jesus promises His disciples that they will receive power to be witnesses to the Gospel.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Ephesians 6:19-20: Paul's request for prayer shows that the power to speak "boldly" and "fearlessly" is a direct result of being empowered by the Holy Spirit for the mission.
19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
2 Timothy 1:7: This verse reminds us that the Holy Spirit equips us with everything we need for our mission.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Tips for Praying:
Pray for the filling of the Holy Spirit in each person's life, that they would be bold in sharing their faith.
Pray for specific opportunities to share the gospel with others in your daily life—at work, in school, or in your neighbourhood.
Pray for the global church to have a renewed passion for the Great Commission.
Concluding Prayer:
Mighty God, we thank You for the Holy Spirit who empowers us for the mission of being Your witnesses. Fill us afresh with Your Spirit, giving us boldness, wisdom, and love to share the good news of Jesus. Use us in our everyday lives to be a light in the darkness and to bring others to a saving knowledge of You. We go forth, empowered for Your mission. Amen.