In August, I got to visit Dallas and check out the UPPERROOM prayer room. I was encouraged to learn that they have continuous live worship from as early as 6 in the morning until 8 PM, Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays too, although for a shorter time.
I remember taking a morning and afternoon off from sightseeing one Monday just to soak in the presence of God at UPPERROOM. I remember thinking to myself, “If I lived in Dallas, I would probably be here almost every day.”
I even told God how much I longed to have something like this where I lived, or perhaps for Him to move me to Dallas. Three weeks later, I found myself moving to New York City instead.
I recently officially called Church of the City home. They have prayer sets Monday through Friday at 6 AM, 7 AM, 12 PM, and 7 PM, except for Wednesday evening. Today, I went to their prayer room at noon for the first time.
As I sat there, I thought back to that prayer I had prayed in Dallas.
I am deeply encouraged to be surrounded by New Yorkers who are hungry for God and who are faithfully praying for this city. And I am grateful that God has led me to a church that makes both individual and corporate prayer a priority.
Here’s a quote from David Fritch:
“Don’t despise your small prayer gatherings… Every major revival has its origins with a small band of intercessors faithfully crying out! Small gatherings precede big breakthroughs! When we gather to worship and pray, regardless of size, we convene the very court of heaven on earth. Our prayer gatherings are the most important and powerful gatherings in our city.”
I stand in agreement that every revival begins with a prayer movement. I moved to NYC just a month and a half ago, and I am still learning about what God has been doing in this city and what role He might allow me to play in it. One of my favorite prayers is simply asking God to consider me for His work.
Whatever that role may be, no matter how insignificant or mundane, I would be grateful if God chose to use me in any way. And so, we will keep praying for NYC. I pray that God would awaken more and more of His people here to intercede for this city.
O God, we want revival.
Let it stir!
And pssst… I also somehow ended up in their IG post (2nd and 3rd slide) :D