In last week's letter we referenced a call to unified prayer given out by Scottish Ministers and picked up by Jonathan Edwards in the 1740’s.
Here was the description:
Therefore, “let us continue to go and pray before the Lord.” (Zechariah 8:21)
It was this passage, Zechariah 8:20-22, that Jonathan Edwards used back in 1746 to call the people of God, across all denominations, to unity in prayer. It began in 1744, with several ministers in Scotland, who “taking into consideration the state of God’s church, and of the world of mankind,” called those who, “have at the heart the interest of vital Christianity, and the power of godliness; and who, however differing about other things, are convinced of the importance of fervent prayer,” to a 2-year concert of prayer.
This 2-year commitment was not to be entered into as, “absolute promises in any respect; but as friendly, harmonious resolutions, with liberty to alter circumstances as shall be found expedient.”
What was the commitment? It was a harmonious resolution to pray every Saturday evening and Sunday morning, along with the first Tuesday of every quarter.
These prayers were not meant to simply be offered up in the setting of a church building, led by pastors, elders, and the specially qualified among them, rather the instruction was given for, “the time to be spent either in private praying societies, or in public meetings, or alone in secret, as shall be found most practicable, or judged most convenient, but such as are willing, in some way or other, to join in this affair.”
After reading about this story, we’ve decided to try something similar. Would you consider joining us?
Starting in January and going through the end of the year, we’ll be praying:
Every Saturday evening and Sunday morning
Once a quarter on the first Tuesday, for as much of the day as we can spare (January 4th, April 5th, July 5th, October 4th)
There are many other ways you could spend your time. Yet I feel there is such importance in this. Would you be willing to make this commitment with us?
Knowing of course that this is not to be entered into as, “absolute promises in any respect; but as friendly, harmonious resolutions, with liberty to alter circumstances as shall be found expedient.”
If you do want to join, send me a message and let me know. It will be a great encouragement throughout the year to know others are praying alongside.
In love,
Derek