Prayer meetings stand out in Scripture like jewels in the sand. They shine with the splendor of God’s presence and radiate with His power to change people and circumstances.
Think of the prayer meeting in John Mark’s home that sent an angel to release Peter from prison (Acts 12:3-17). Or Ezra and his compatriots camped at the Ahava river, fasting and praying for God’s protection on their return trip to Jerusalem. God answered their prayer and brought them safely to Jerusalem (Ezra 8).
King Jehoshaphat called a prayer meeting when a “great multitude” came to fight against Jerusalem. Men, women and children gathered to pray for their lives. As they stood praying before the Lord, the promise of deliverance came. The next day the choir led the army with praise and the battle was won before they reached the battlefield (2 Chronicles 20).
Acts 1 and 2 tell of the ten-day prayer meeting in the upper room, which led to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and thousands of conversions in a day.
Something very special happens when God’s people gather to seek Him in prayer. God Himself shows up!
“If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in Heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” Matthew 18:19, 20 “Ask of Me, and I will answer your requests.” The promise is made on condition that the united prayers of the church are offered, and in answer to these prayers there may be expected a power greater than that which comes in answer to private prayer. The power given will be proportionate to the unity of the members and their love of God and for one another.”
God longs to have His people gather for special seasons of prayer because He has special blessings to give. “Those who meet together for prayer, will receive an unction from the Holy One. There is great need of secret prayer, but there is also need of several Christians meeting together, to unite with earnestness their petitions to God. In these small companies Jesus is present, and the love of souls is deepened in the heart, and the Spirit puts forth His mighty energies, that human agents may be exercised in regard to saving those who are lost.
So why does prayer meeting matter? Because 1) it provides a time and place for God to reveal Himself to His people. 2) It is also an opportunity to shepherd your people and help them grow in their walk with God. You can teach them how to interact with God and each other, how to pray and listen to God, and how to apply Scripture to their lives. And 3) prayer meeting allows church members to minister to each other.
Prayer meetings should ideally be a time for God’s people to gather regularly to meet with God and encourage one another. It can be as simple as two people praying for revival on a phone call. Or a traditional, Wednesday night prayer meeting in the church. Or an online prayer meeting. There are many possible formats, but the essentials remain the same: Individuals gathering to seek God and minister to each other through prayer.
The downloadable resources below will help you understand why prayer meeting matters in our world today and how to lead effectively.
Prayer Meeting Quick Start Guide
Six Foundations of a Dynamic Prayer Meeting
Additional Resources on Prayer Meeting
The Successful Prayer Meeting - An excellent article in Ministry magazine by Taylor Bunch, past president of the Michigan conference, published in 1947.
Building Up the Midweek Meeting - Article from 1930 Ministry Magazine by C.G. Bellah on
And the Place was Shaken: How to Lead a Powerful Prayer Meeting (By John Franklin) - A wonderful book on prayer meeting. Takes a deep look at why prayer meeting matters, how to lead it so that the focus remains on God, and is truly a blessing to all who attend. Franklin also has some excellent resources on prayer meeting at his website: www.johnfranklinkministries.org.