18 years ago we were gripped with that question. How hungry were we for God?
In January, 2005, I set aside the first 7 days to fast and pray. During that time, I had a thought for a local pastor. I went to him the next week. “Pastor Ken, I believe Portage Christian Fellowship is to meet daily and seek God for the 10 days leading up to Pentecost each day.” His response to me was surprising. God had already been speaking to him the same thing!
Shortly after that conversation we went to a meeting at the former Chicago Prayer Furnace and met Rhonda Hughey. She had just come back from Latin America where she saw first hand the transformation God can do in a nation sold out to Him. She had written a book called, Desperate for His Presence. We bought the cassette tapes and the books and devoured them. This became our cry for those 10 days.
Pastor Ken put together a letter and distributed it to those in relationship with that church. The invitation was clear: Come and join us as we seek the Lord. We don’t want another 9/11 to wake us up and call us to pray. Let’s be desperate for Him!
As the time approached, God continued to confirm this special season of seeking Him. And with anticipation of encountering God, we gathered each night to seek His face. No agenda. No plan. Just worship, pray and take communion.
The week before I heard a song which became a theme: “We are hungry, we are hungry, we are hungry for more of You. We are thirsty, O Jesus, we are thirsty for more of You. Lord, I want more of You, Holy Spirit rain down on me. Lord I need more of You. Living Breath of Life come and fill me up!”
I will never forget the night God showed up. There were maybe 10 of us there that night. It was like a wave of His glory entered that building. Our normal hour prayer continued way past time, but no one was concerned. Some knelt and wept in repentance. Some rejoiced with shouts of joy. We all enjoyed the waves of His glory. His presence marked us that evening.
Each year we have set aside the 10 days leading up to Pentecost to seek the Lord. Most years we went from house to house, church to church for the 10 days. During COVID we had special videos each day. Each year has been different. Each year has been beautiful to be with the Body of Christ in Northwest Indiana.
This year as the pastors were seeking God’s direction for our 10 Days of Prayer leading up to Pentecost, the Lord again spoke to my heart. Go back to the beginning. Come back to the heart of worship and prayer. One Location. 10 Days. No agenda. Worship. Prayer Communion. Just seeking God.
The House of Prayer Church has been a part since the first or second year. They have opened their doors and invited us to join with them in seeking the Lord Thursday May 26 through Saturday June 4. We will meet each morning at 9am in this one location. We will have a special Regional Watchman Gathering on Pentecost Sunday, June 5th at 6pm at Central Church of God.
God is asking us the same question today: Do you need another 9/11 to gather and pray? Will desperation or devastation bring you to your knees?
My heart is so stirred to seek the Lord. The anticipation is growing in me. I want to see Him pour out His Spirit in a fresh way this Pentecost season.
In Acts 1 & 2, the people were gathered for 10 days – in one place- with one agenda SEEKING HIM! “When the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly…..” I long for an “AND SUDDENLY.” Don’t you?
If we ever needed an “and suddenly” moment before, we sure do need it now! Our nation is so divided. Our churches are busy fighting one another instead of standing as one against the wiles of the enemy. Will Ford stated that, “Only a united church can heal a divided nation.”
Let’s join together in prayer for these 10 days. United in purpose, heart and mind. Let’s seek the Lord until He comes! If you are available during the day, please come seek the Lord at House of Prayer Church daily at 9am. Mark your calendar to come together on Pentecost Sunday, June 5th, 6pm at Central Church of God.
Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD, till He comes and rains righteousness on you. Hosea 10:12
