What Is a Concert of Prayer?

This Sunday night, to start off our Pray40 initiative, we’re having a “concert of prayer.” I am guessing that most of you at LHBC have never participated in one of these. You may wonder what it is and what to expect. In this post, I’ll share my experience with them and share some suggestions to help you prepare, and perhaps persuade you to attend.

My Experience

God has allowed me to participate in close to 10 concerts of prayer–both as a participant and a contributor. My first two experiences were when I was in high school at a leadership conference called “Truth and Peace.” Almost all of the rest of the times was when Lynsey and I were on staff at that same conference. In those instances, I played piano and led the singing portion of the gathering.

God used these times to help me gain an expectancy toward Him in prayer. He also used these to help equip me to express my heart to Him in prayer. Mostly, I remember the events as marked moments of experiencing His peace.

Some Suggestions and What to Expect

It begins in prayer on the day of for everyone attending. Those coming should be in a “spirit of prayer” throughout the day as much as possible. They should seek to be reflective on the Lord and prayerful about what He will do that night. Some fast and pray for the event itself.

• Upon coming in to the auditorium, please avoid talking with anyone. Simply take your seat and start praying for what God will do until everyone has gathered. (Talking in the foyers is perfectly acceptable.) Jim Huhta will be playing reflective songs on the piano to help us until I begin the service.
• Please sit on the main level and not in the overflow (or balcony).
• You will need a partner and a group. If you are married and coming with your spouse, let them be your partner. If you aren’t coming with your spouse or aren’t married, consider asking someone to be your partner for the event. If you don’t know who to ask or can’t find a partner, that’s okay. The Lord will give you the partner He wants you to have on that night. Groups will be formed organically.
• Plan to move around and perhaps sit on the floor or anywhere in the room, including parts of the stage, which is perfectly fine.
• I will have a microphone and will be sitting in front of you all on a stool or chair.
• I will guide the times of prayer, making comments as the Spirit leads and working us through different kinds of prayer. Some prayers will be private, some will be sharing something with your partner and praying for each other. Some will be in a group, and sometimes I’ll ask for one person to lead everyone in prayer for a specific item.
• There will be times of corporate singing interspersed between prayers. Jim Huhta will be leading this on the piano with no other vocalists or instruments. There will be no lyrics available or hymn books used. I’ve asked him to pick songs that he thinks most will know by heart. If you don’t know the song, just hum along or listen reflectively.
• At the end I may give anyone who wants an opportunity to share how God ministered to them.
• We have scheduled this to go from 6–7:30 pm, but I will gladly extend it if I sense that we are not done. If you must leave at 7:30, don’t feel guilty, but please do so quietly and refrain from talking in the auditorium.

I’m looking forward to what God will do, and I’m hopeful that many of you will attend.