An Invitation for Prayer Network and Organization and/or Denominational Leaders
National Prayer Assembly, October 27-28, 2016, Washington, D.C.
If you are the leader of a prayer organization or network, or a denominational leader, this is for you. You are warmly invited to an assembly of national prayer, denominational, and kingdom network leaders from across the nation. America is at a historic crossroads with growing threats within and without. It is a tumultuous election year and an absolutely pivotal time in our history. A dysfunctional and divided government has become increasingly ineffectual in dealing with our growing national problems, including a $19 trillion debt hanging over our heads. In addition, our society is becoming progressively apathetic—even cold to the things of God. Surely, we need a new Great Awakening to turn America around. A critical component in this pursuit of awakening is the coming together of both America’s prayer and denominational movements to seek His face. We need to join forces, praying with one heart and mind for a fresh, massive outpouring of His Spirit that will bring revival and transformation to the United States of America
It is time to gather ministry leaders for two days of concentrated intercession, listening, and sharing what God is saying to us. As in the National Prayer Assembly of October 2014, we will have brief reports from experts on the critical issues facing the nation. Our approach will be to pray at least twice as much as we talk. Earlier assembly participants felt this was the right balance, so we will endeavor once again to let the Spirit of the Lord reveal, inspire, and pray His heart concerns through us for our nation.
The NPA is by invitation only, so please do not forward this invitation to others unless they serve as leaders or coordinators of prayer ministries, national or denominational ministries, or kingdom networks.
Details:
- Thursday, 10/28-Friday 10/29, 8 am to 5 pm both days
- Registration fee: $120 per person. Must register each person individually.
This fee includes lunch on Friday, coffee, meeting space overlooking WDC. This assembly encourages fasting as you are able and are led by God, as part of a 40 day call prior to our national election.
- TO REGISTER: https://intre.org/?297
- Venue: Sheraton Pentagon City, Arlington, VA (DCA nearest airport, shuttle to hotel)
Special conference rate: $179/night
- To reserve your lodging:
https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/events/start.action?id=1603180291&key=101F35BB
For other questions about logistics, please contact Lisa CrumpThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (National Day of Prayer Task Force)
We look forward to your being with us for this crucial time of encountering the Lord together on behalf of our beloved country.
Every blessing in Christ,
Dave Butts (National Prayer Committee)
Rickie Bradshaw (Pray Houston)
Pierre Bynum (Family Research Council)
Paul Cedar (Mission America)
Lisa Crump (National Day of Prayer)
Kay Horner (Awakening America Alliance)
Dave Kubal (Intercessors for America)
Daniel Lim and Doug Conder (International House of Prayer)
John Robb (International Prayer Connect)
Preliminary Prayer Emphases for the NPA:
- Repentance for
o Corporate sins of America
o Sins within the Church
- Reconciliation and healing of
o Leadership division
o Racial division
o Restorative justice
- Restoration of
o Spiritual revival and morality within the church
o Truth in media
o Morality in arts and entertainment
o Integrity and blessing in marketplace
o Protection for marriage and the family–an institution under assault
o Truth and protection in educational institutions
o Sanctity of human life and protection of the unborn
- Reaching and evangelizing the lost
o Prayer-care-share lifestyles among Jesus followers
o Provision and mobilization of missionaries
- Government and the national election
- Religious freedom
o Court decisions
o Legislative actions
- Prayer movement
o Unity
o Strength
o Mobilization
o Engagement
- Next generation
o Children
o Youth
o Emerging Leaders
- False religion and the occult invasion
- National security issues
o Military forces
o Law enforcement
o Homeland security
o Radical Islam and ISIS threats
- Restoration of supremacy of Jesus Christ
o In church
o In society
- Please pray with us for the ministry leaders God is calling to be able to come for this time of all-out prayer for the USA just before our pivotal election and for the other serious concerns the country faces this year and beyond.
- For our planning team to have His wisdom and that at least 300 prayer and other ministry leaders from across the nation chosen by the Lord will be able to gather for all-out prayer for the USA right before our very pivotal national election.
- May the NPA be powerfully used by the Lord to bring about the major transformations we need to see happen if America is to fulfill her God-given destiny!
I write to the body of Christ around the world, all who are connecting with the Azusa Now gathering at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on April 9th. I have rarely seen such a stirring of expectancy as I am seeing now. It’s really not about a stadium event. Instead, everywhere, men and women are laying hold of the kingdom in such a way that Azusa Now may be a collective flashpoint. The great intercessor Frank Bartleman wrote of such a time just before revival broke out at Azusa in 1906. Listen to his words, written just a few months before the outpouring began:
“The current of revival is sweeping by our door. Will we cast ourselves on its mighty bosom and ride to glorious victory? A year of life at this time, with its wonderful possibilities for God, is worth a hundred years of ordinary life. ‘Pentecost’ is knocking at our doors. The revival for our country is no longer a question. Slowly but surely the tide has been rising until in the very near future we believe for a deluge of salvation that will sweep all before it. Wales will not long stand alone in this glorious triumph for our Christ... The clouds are gathering rapidly, big with a mighty rain, whose precipitation lingers but a little. Heroes will arise from the dust of obscure and despised circumstances, whose names will be emblazoned on Heaven’s eternal page of fame. The Spirit is brooding over our land again as at creation’s dawn, and the fiat of God goes forth. “Let there be light.” Brother, sister, if we all believed God can, you realize what would happen? Many of us here are living for nothing else. A volume of believing prayer is ascending to the throne night and day. Los Angeles, Southern California, and the whole continent shall surely find itself ere long in the throes of a mighty revival, by the Spirit and power of God.”
In his wonderful book, The Fasting Prayer, Franklin Hall wrote:
“Yes, the second Pentecost on Azusa in 1906 came about just like the first Pentecost. This latter rain outpouring of the Holy Spirit started with a ten day fast and prayer season in much the same manner as it did upon the 120 that ‘continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.’ A few people came to Los Angeles in 1906 and started a 10-day fast and prayer season and the Holy Spirit fell... Mother Craton states ‘The first thing that was done before the power ever fell on Azusa was a united ten day season of fasting and prayer. If there was ever any sectarianism, fasting broke it down... I believe another Azusa could be here today if God’s people would get to travailing in much prayer and fasting.”
With such Bible and church history roaring behind us, should we not courageously inject our generation into that same Hall of Faith, where those who have gone before now urge to enter?
With their beckoning resting on our hearts and ears, we are calling a 10-Day season of united prayer and fasting as God leads for a global outpouring of the Holy Spirit, March 30 to April 8, leading up to Azusa Now on April 9, the 110th anniversary of the Azusa Street Revival. William Seymour, the catalyst of that great revival, prophesied in 1913 that in roughly 100 years another revival far eclipsing Azusa would come. The fulfillment of Seymour’s word is overdue... or right on schedule. Let us therefore “pray for the rain in the time of the latter rain.” Who knows? Maybe like those who were baptized in the Spirit in the original Acts 2 upper room, we will say, “this is that which was spoken by William Seymour the prophet!
Sincerely,
Lou Engle
The Call
Also, on the other side of the country in Washington DC, up to 30,000 pastors will gather for United Cry.
Saturday, April 9 Azusa Now, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and United Cry, Lincoln Memorial, DC, East Coast and West Coast Solemn Assemblies for National Awakening, www.unitedcry.com, www.thecall.com/azusa.
Let’s be in prayer for these two important gatherings that will draw many tens of thousands of believers to cry out to God in the spirit of 2 Chronicles 7:14. May His deliverance and breakthrough come to the USA through these important events!
July 16 is coming quickly, and it’s time to solidify your plan for joining us there!
Are you in?
Let us help you get to Together 2016!
Plan your schedule
You want to make the most of your trip to Together 2016, right? So do we! Head here to find sample schedules for a three, five, or seven day trip.
Book your hotel
Together 2016 has partnered with hotels in the the National Mall area so that you can book hotel rooms at a group rate. Be sure to check them out soon as room blocks are going fast.
Transportation
Together 2016 has partnered with GO GROUND to be our official transportation manager so you can charter a bus to D.C. They also have the option for you to sell extra seats if you are unable to fill an entire bus. Check out their website as well if you are interested in booking a seat on someone else’s bus that is coming from your area!
For those who are interested in flying to Washington, D.C., we suggest booking flights to:
7 Ronald Regan Washington National Airport (DCA) (closest)
8 Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
9 Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI)
Momentum is building and we can’t wait for you to join us and the one million others gathered on July 16, 2016. Keep telling others about Together 2016 through our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages!
Standing with you,
The Together Team
Uniting as one, appealing to heaven to change the spiritual climate in our nation.
As One is a national call to prayer. The basic strategy revolves around two 40-day periods of prayer walking, fasting, and corporate prayer events. The first will start on Easter Sunday, March 27 and run through the National Day of Prayer on May 5. The second begins on September 30 and ends on Election Day. In addition, there will be much collaboration with major national prayer events that are happening throughout the year.
Here is how it works:
1) Join the 40-day Prayer Challenge and receive a daily prayer guide via email.
2) Adopt Your Street in Prayer.
3) Find or Host a Prayer Gathering on the National Day of Prayer, Thursday, May 5.
“So that with one mind and one voice, you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - Romans 15:6
Click here to learn more about this united effort to call America to prayer >>
Pray for Election Day
On November 8, 2016, millions will cast their vote, selecting from an array of candidates - potential leaders who will impact the direction of the United States of America. This is a freedom that has come at a high cost for many over the 240 years since declaring independence from England in 1776.
Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States said, “If the people fail to vote, a government will be developed which is not their government… The whole system of American Government rests on the ballot box. Unless citizens perform their duties there, such a system of government is doomed to failure.”
Of the 52 million voter-eligible Christians in America, 10 million are not registered to vote for the elections, and over 20 million who were registered, did not vote in the previous election cycle. Quite simply, less than 40 percent of all eligible to vote Christians in America…voted.
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States said, “The future of this republic is in the hands of the American voter.”
So here is what you can do:
1 Register to Vote and make it a priority to exercise this freedom - Click here to get started >>
2 Pray: “Look to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.” -Isa. 45:22
Download your FREE 2016 ELECTION PRAYER GUIDE: 1) E-version 2) Print Ready PDF 3) Spanish
3 Find your local Family Policy Council and download your regional voter guide
4 Join the National Prayer Call, November 8, 11 a.m. - 12 noon ET: 712-432-0075, PIN: 4961322#
5 Commit to Pray for all people in authority (download your prayer points here)
6 Commit to pray for 40 days beginning September 30 through November 8 (download your 40-Day Prayer Guide)
National Prayer Summit
Make plans now to join with thousands of intercessors at the National Prayer Summit. This special gathering will take place July 14-17 in Washington D.C. and feature an incredible line-up of speakers including Francis Chan, Dr. Josh McDowell, Dr. Luis Palau, Dr. Ravi Zacharias, Kirk Franklin and music from Hillsong United. Registration is only $89 per person, so get registered today >>
Host a Prayer Gathering
Now as never before, Americans need to be in prayer for our country and its leaders in all spheres of influence. Your partnership is vital to the efforts our National Day of Prayer Task Force as we seek to fulfill our ongoing mission of bringing millions of people throughout this land before God’s throne in humble intercession.
To assist you in promoting the cause of prayer, we have included a variety of helpful resources in our online store. Whether you are seeking materials appropriate for a church setting or an event in a public venue, we have provided useful items that are both creative and practical.
Thank you for standing with us by lending your time and talents to this worthy endeavor. Your participation is key if we are to call every community in our nation to prayer!
Shirley Dobson, Chairman, NDP Task Force, http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/
As Pakistan began burying its dead Monday, authorities counted 29 children among those killed by an Easter suicide bombing in an amusement park, victims of a terrorist attack that has reinforced growing feelings of dread here. Although 2015 was relatively quiet, horrified Pakistanis are again asking what their government can do to protect them from extremist violence. More than 70 people in all were killed in the devastating attack Sunday in Lahore. Officials vowed to hunt down the Islamist militant bombers who claimed they targeted Christians - yet killed many of their Muslim brethren in the bargain.
Even after a week of terrorist violence in Iraq, Turkey and Belgium, the attack here nonetheless became a focus of global dismay. It was the country’s worst terrorist attack this year and the deadliest attack in Pakistan since nearly 150 were killed at a school in Peshawar in late 2014 — a shock to the nation that led to an unexpectedly peaceful 2015. That calm period now seems to be over…
A splinter faction of the Pakistani Taliban, Jamaat ul-Ahrar, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying, “It was our people who attacked the Christians in Lahore, celebrating Easter.”
Pakistan, a country of 190 million, has suffered for years from sectarian violence and Islamist militancy, including a Taliban-led insurgency in the tribal areas on the border with Afghanistan. Recent terrorist attacks targeting minorities and schools have left many ordinary Pakistanis scared and on edge…
At Jinnah Hospital in Lahore, where about half of the more than 300 injured were taken Sunday night, 67 remained hospitalized with a variety of injuries, including burns and shrapnel wounds, doctors said. Politicians and TV anchors weaved among the beds, where occupants were labeled “blast victim.”
Among them were two small children, their beds marked with signs saying “unknown.” Their family died in the blast, and they had yet to be linked with other relatives…
In Islamabad on Monday, thousands of Muslim demonstrators protesting the execution of Islamist assassin Mumtaz Qadri staged a sit-in inside the capital city’s “Red Zone,” which is home to a number of vital government institutions, including Parliament and the prime minister’s house. Qadri assassinated Punjab’s governor, Salman Taseer, in 2011 over the latter’s opposition to Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.
Most blasphemy cases are lodged against non-Muslims for violations such as desecrating the Koran, Islam’s holy book, according to rights monitors. The army was deployed Sunday night to protect government buildings after the protesters rampaged across the city, damaging property and setting buildings on fire. (Contributors: By Annie Gowen and Shaiq Hussain for The Washington Post – Erin Cunningham in Kabul, Babar Dogar in Lahore, and Haq Nawaz Khan and Aamir Iqbal in Peshawar, Pakistan, contributed to this report.)
Pray for survivors and the victims’ families. There is worldwide confusion over international leadership’s failure to call these attacks “Islamist terrorism.” Pope Francis called the bombing “vile and abominable,” but last November he said Christians and Muslims are brothers and sisters. And Pres. Obama to call ISIS “Islamic terrorists.” Pray for clarity and global cooperation to stop these terrorist attacks.
Intercessors for America, On Watch in Washington, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Let’s also pray for the unity of the church leaders and prayer movement of Pakistan. Pray they will come together as one to pray for their nation and to withstand the powers of death and destruction that so often frequent their country through Islamic radical groups of various kinds.
As an often burnt-out mid-career missions leader in early 1990’s, I remember being deeply impacted by the writings of the Dutch theologian and contemplative, Henri Nouwen. His book The Way of the Heart describes the all important role of solitude and silence in our lives to purify us from being driven by the “false self”-- the constant need to conform ourselves to the expectations of those around us rather than living life from the inside out, from who we really are in the Lord.
Ruth Haley Barton is an author and spiritual director who leads the Transforming Center, a ministry to pastors and other ministry leaders. I was refreshed and encouraged by her book Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership which is a take-off on Jesus’ warning, “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your own soul?” (Matthew 16:26). Her insightful work examines the experience of Moses and how his personal encounters with God in silence and solitude both prepared and undergirded him for 40 frustrating and challenging years of leading his people Israel to door of the Promised Land.
Here are some of the rich conclusions Barton comes to through her reflection on Moses’ long and quiet experience in the desert and how that experience made him fit to lead. She observes: “Moses’whole life can be viewed through the lens of his private encounters. He did not seem to have any great strategies for leadership except to seek God in solitude and then carry out what God revealed to him there. He routinely sought God (or God sought him), there was an encounter, and then Moses did what God told him to do. For Moses, leadership was that simple!”
In emulating Moses’ simple leadership style, she advocates our leaving the company of others for a time, letting go of our need to fix things outside ourselves and attend to what needs to be done “in the deep interior places of our life” as “the most important work to be done right now.” It is essential to have such times of aloneness with God, otherwise “our leadership cannot be a force for good if it is not being refined by the rigors of true solitude, that place where God is at work beyond what we are able to do for ourselves or would even know how to do for ourselves.”
It is in such times when we open ourselves fully to the searching presence of God that we begin to see things about ourselves that were lurking beneath the surface. For Moses, it was his tendency to erupt with uncontrolled anger. She writes: “Only those who have been brave enough to ride their own monsters of anger and greed, jealousy and narcissism, fear and violence all the way to the bottom will find a truer energy with which to lead. Only those who have faced their own dark side can be trusted to lead others towards the Light. This is where true spiritual leadership begins. Everything that comes before is something else.”
She talks of the bondage of “Christian busyness” which most of us understand quite well but often are not disciplined enough to escape. She also covers the often difficult task of leaders to guard the unity of the spiritual community as their most important occupation as reflected in Jesus’ last prayer for the disciples (John 17:11) since it is the way that the devil (diabolos or divider) is defeated and the world comes to believe in Him.
Though Moses was not allowed to go into the Promised Land, she thinks that he had come to the point in life where for him “the presence of God was the Promised Land” so it was not a punishment but actually a blessing that soon followed with his exiting earth into the pure presence of the Lord. Her summary sentence captures the essence of being leaders whose souls have not gotten lost along the way: “This is a leader with strength of soul—one who continually seeks God in the crucible of ministry and for that reason is able to stay faithful to the call of God upon their life—to do their small part—until God calls them home.” I heartily commend this valuable book for your own rumination and edification.
John Robb
Justin Bieber’s 'Bigger Than Satan' shirt
26 Mar 2016
Pop idol Justin Bieber, who is a Christian, is currently travelling with his ‘Purpose’ tour and has incorporated a noteworthy shirt into the collection of clothes he wears onstage. Bieber can be seen wearing a shirt with the words ‘Bigger Than Satan’ on the back. The shirt comes from designer Jerry Lorenzo, whose brand ‘Fear of God’ aims to express a different side of Christianity. Bieber has recently become open about his Christian faith, after years of making headlines for breaking laws. The pop star said, ‘I just want to honestly live like Jesus. Not be Jesus - I could never - I don’t want that to come across weird. He created a pretty awesome template of how to love people and how to be gracious and kind. If you believe it, he died for our sins.’
Heightened security across nations
26 Mar 2016
On 22 March the European Parliament raised its terror alert level in Brussels to orange and heightened security in close cooperation with the Belgian authorities, following the bombing attacks there. France has heightened its measures to monitor suspected personnel, and David Cameron has held meetings to discuss new measures of security in the British Isles. Across the nations a wave of apprehension, coupled with the determination to thwart terror attacks, appears to be taking hold. As well as praying for the victims, their families and friends, we can pray for the cities across Europe to stand strong against the hatred which is emerging at this time.