GACX views prayer as an indispensable action in our mission to see one healthy, multiplying church for every 1000 people worldwide. That’s why every GACX member is encouraged to identify and appoint a “prayer igniter” within their organization.

The Impact of Prayer

Dick Eastman, International President for GACX member Every Home for Christ, speaks about the need for the two streams of mission and prayer to flow together into one mighty river blessing the nations with the gospel. The prayer training and mobilization initiatives launched by EHC dramatically demonstrate the impact of this principle. Consider what has happened in the years immediately before and after the launch of the EHC’s Jericho Prayer Center:
Before Prayer Center After Prayer Center Difference
Homes Reached 106 million 333 million +212%
Gospel Responses 7 million 51 million +626%
New Church Fellowships 9,800 84,200 +758%
Every Home for Christ believes this increase in mission efficacy is the unmistakable fruit of increased prayer coverage for their ministry. I encourage you to watch the video about the Jericho Prayer Center.

Finding a Prayer Igniter

Within a ministry or church, a prayer igniter models the “Pray-Now” lifestyle which encourages others to pray, both individually and corporately. In addition, he or she will plan, coordinate and lead the organization’s prayer strategy — both within and for the organization. A prayer igniter will only be as effective as his or her personal prayer life, someone who has deeply learned to abide in Christ. From that place of intimacy, he or she will inspire others to a life of prayer and intimacy with God. (Ps. 27:4; Jn. 15:5-8).  This is a person who prays not for the sake of praying, but that God’s Kingdom would come in greater measure so that “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea” (Matt. 6:9-16; Hab. 2:14). Some personal characteristics of a prayer igniter could include:
  • Priority – The Prayer Igniter is devoted to prayer and praise. This is expressed in a “one thing” desire to see God and respond to his call to “seek my face.” (Col. 4:2; Ps. 27:4 & 8; Phil. 4:6-7)
  • Persistent – The Prayer Igniter prays without ceasing at all times with all kinds of prayer. (1 Th. 5:17; Luke 11:8; Eph. 6:20)
  • Purpose – The Prayer Igniter is focused on God’s glory and is alert to the needs of others.  (Matt. 6:9-16; Eph. 6:20)
  • Pray-Now Lifestyle – The Prayer Igniter lives in an atmosphere of prayer and catalyzes prayer in lives and organizations around them.  (1 Tim. 2:1-4)
A prayer igniter will also seek opportunities for regular, collaborative, united prayer partnerships with other like-minded organizations recognizing that the call to unity is a key component in God’s glory being manifested to the world (Jn. 17:20-23 and Psalm 133:3). Here are some things to look for in a prayer igniter:
  1. Called by God (anointed)
  2. Recognized by Others (appointed)
  3. Model a personal prayer life (intimacy)
  4. Spiritually Mature (fruit of Spirit)
  5. Igniter Lifestyle (contagious)
  6. Able to teach/speak to communicate vision/strategy (prophetic)
  7. Time to make a difference (available)

Igniting Prayer in Your Organization

Our goal is that every GACX member will have a prayer igniter be part of their organization’s group at the 2017 Global Forum in October. Not only is prayer important for your organization’s mission, but your prayer igniter will also serve as a point of contact for building prayer partnerships with others in GACX.