azpray.com

Hi, I'm New Here...    I was encouraged that somwone is doing this, it's kindred to my own vision for revival/awakening in America. Though I am in California, I felt compelled to participate in this movement at least temporarily, until some like page evolves here. However, I'm also complelled to throw out some initial personal observations, hoping someone can encourage me with solutions.    I like the simple, straightforward approach: post a schedule, almost no guidelines (i.e., we all know we need to pray, and/but, should approach prayer only the way God teaches us personally), then challenge church families to carry the torch for a week: 52 weeks of 24/7 prayer. Yet, I have found this approach not without disadvantages.    The first observation is this: it is not so hard to convince people that they should pray, and not much harder to convince them to sign up for a schedule of prayer, especially one for which they will not be held accountable by human interactions (i.e., no one but God will know if they really prayed according to their scheduled commitment). The question is: How do we help them truly follow through, and meet God in this commitment?  I have personally followed up afterward in such matters, to see if commitments were fulfilled, and was somewhat dissappointed. Disappointed enough to be very hesitant to lead another 24/7 effort, by simply posting a schedule, and encouaging people to sign up.   Second, but related observation: if convinced our own church family has fulfilled its own week, how do we know the other family commitments are being met (ala, "is there anybody out there?")? The related theme, of course, how are they held accountable?.... that sounds so terrible... how about, "how are they encouraged to really follow through, seek God's face, and be blessed?"    Third, and perhaps more important, how can a one week commitment, translate into a critical mass, where each of 52 families, suddenly feels compelled to simply keep praying 24/7, well beyond a week's commitment? THAT is when revival comes, in my opinion, when God hears a symphony of all believers, crying out to Him continuously, with one heart.  Fourth, and this I clearly state is only my opinion, prayer meetings are only as successful as the personal private prayer lives of those participating. If the participants show up prayed up from their own closet times, they will be open to what the Spirit is saying to the churches collectively. Otherwise, it will be "only another prayer meeting", rather than a time for God to visit us, in His awsome, holy fulness. I.e., how do we know these families making a week's commitment, are truly prepared to see this commitment through, and not be satified, till they awake with His likeness? I can almost wish that something was posted somewhere on this site, to the nature of."Please don't sign up for this, unless you are desparate for God to visit us, with a true outpouring of His Holy Spirit, that Jesus would truly be glorified for all that He is."    One thing I hope isn't suggested (though I'm open to discuss it), is more organization, or more establishment of leadership/prayer police, over each commitment.    Forgive me if this all sounds pessimistic. At least I'm still here, still at it, still looking for answers, still hopeful God will see us through.