Preparing for the Thanksgiving Concert of Prayer

I haven’t been to a concert of prayer that wasn’t impactful in my life, and I’ve been to a dozen or more. There’s something about the extended time with God and God’s people where we have no pretense about us. There’s something about sharing a vulnerable need with someone that cares about me and hearing them pray for me. Then singing heart-felt songs to our King together, followed by hearing what God did in someone’s heart in those few hours together.

Neil will do a good job, and the Lord will meet with us as He always does.

Here are a few suggestions to help us all prepare for our next one on November 19 at 6pm in the main auditorium.

1. Make a list of the things you’re most thankful for since last Thanksgiving. Do this before the COP (Concert of Prayer). Bring it with you that night.
2. Consider fasting that day. It might not be medically advisable, and that’s fine. Don’t feel guilty about that. But if you’re able, skip a meal (or two) and spend that time in prayer, asking for God to meet with us, to guide Neil, to bring the people that need to be there, etc.
3. Arrive early. Ten or 15 minutes is sufficient. Give yourself enough time to use the restroom, find your seat, exhale, and ask the Lord to meet with us.
4. When you arrive, come in the auditorium and sit in a spirit of prayer. Reserve talking for the foyers. Confess any known sin in your life to God and ask for His forgiveness. I plan on starting to play some songs of worship (without singing) at the piano at about 5:30.
5. Ask someone beforehand to be your prayer partner. Neil will ask you to find someone to pray with. This should be someone you’re comfortable enough to share things with. If you don’t have anyone before you arrive, that’s okay. Prayerfully look around the auditorium when he asks you to find someone and see who the Lord has for you to partner with. If you’re coming with your spouse, please let them be your prayer partner.
6. Plan to move around. This is not a time to stay in the pew. Plan to go somewhere with your prayer partner or family at some point. Find somewhere on the floor, on the stage, on the steps, wherever. The point is to be comfortable and get close to those you’re praying with.
7. Sing as I lead. Periodically Neil will say, “Sing with Jacob.” I’ll have a list of songs that I’ll play as I sense the Spirit leading. Hopefully you’ll know them by heart. If not, try your best to sing along. If you don’t know them, just listen in a spirit of prayer.
8. Consider praying in front of everyone. Near the end Neil will ask for someone to lead everyone in prayer for various items. Speak clearly, don’t be ashamed, and follow the Spirit’s leading.