Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Nov/91

Contributor - Eric Michael Drakeford

Title - Ideas That Work - Forty Days of Prayer For Five Persons

Topic - Outreach

Do you know five persons whom you would like to see in the fellowship of your Church? Do you know five persons whom you would like to see come to know Jesus Christ in a meaningful way? Are there five members of your family, friends, neighbours, people with whom you work, who are outside of Christ and the Church?

These were the questions posed to the congregation of Faith Reformed Church, Hamilton, followed by a series of further questions: are you willing to do something about it; are you willing to be intentional in seeking to introduce these people to Jesus and His Church; are you willing to pray deliberately and definitely every day for forty days for those five; are you willing to be disciplined in your prayer life for those people?

These questions had been preceded by a series of sermons on prayer because from its formation Faith Reformed wanted to be a people of prayer!

A number of the small congregation indicated their willingness to be partners in the "Forty Days of Prayer for Five Persons." Each participant selected, thought of, felt burdened for, five particular people, for whom they would pray. At the end of the forty-day period those who had been prayed for would be visited and invited to a special Guest Service followed by a fellowship meal.

The concept of the "project" is based on a programme taken from the Methodist tradition, where my roots are as well. The names of the persons for whom prayer was being offered were generally kept private between the prayer and God. I did pray along with some participants for specific individuals, on the request of these participants.

Each person received a folder that contained vignettes of:

"How to pray"

"How to pray for others"

"How to visit"

"How to start a conversation"

"Forty days of intercession: its significance and importance" followed by "A day-by-day guide" for a period of time containing instructions, Scripture, commentary, and encouragement.

On the first day the instruction was "As you begin this pilgrimage of prayer, select a quiet place where you can be alone. Get comfortable. Relax. Be assured that God is waiting for you to join Him in love and concern for each of the Five."

On reading that, followed by Scripture and other words for that day, each of us felt we were indeed cooperating with God in His and our concern. At the end of the "adventure" the people for whom we prayed were invited to worship with us at Faith Reformed Church. Most of those invited came to our Guest Service and stayed for the fellowship meal (a potluck luncheon with dishes provided for guests by the person inviting them). Some "guests" have returned to worship with us and we are encouraged. The project is not over; prayer continues to be made, and we are anticipating the re-introduction of "Forty Days Prayer for Five Persons" as part of our ongoing ministry during November and Advent.

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