May 2011

This month I want to focus on one facet of our ministry – the International House of Prayer – so if you are unfamiliar with it, you will better understand what the House of Prayer is all about. Many think of “prayer meetings” as that which is common in the traditional church, and having been part of such groups, as well as city-wide prayer groups for many years, I can say with certainty, the global prayer movement is much different. This movement is not new; it has been going on since the days of King David; however, I cannot cover the history in this brief letter. There is information about that on our website.

The basic goals of IHOP are to bring renewal and revival to God’s people, producing a depth of intimacy with God through prayer and worship, resulting in burning love for Jesus. This will lead to greater effectiveness in missions and evangelism, since the overflow of a heart fully alive and in love with God is to share the Good News, bringing souls into the Kingdom. Greater intimacy also results in demonstrations of God’s power through the gifts of the Spirit, releasing miracles, signs, and wonders, which will impact the culture in cities and regions. The release of God’s power will dislodge demonic powers as we walk in greater authority; embracing the values of the Kingdom, and engaging in ceaseless, fervent prayer. The prayer movement will also help prepare the Church for the end-time judgments which will come as the return of Jesus draws nearer each day, ushering in the establishment of His Kingdom upon the earth.

In order to achieve these goals, we are establishing a Prayer Room where believers can spend extended time seeking God through prayer, worship, meditation on the Word, and biblical studies; to train, equip, and release them to be God’s end-time messengers. (Our vision is to have a full-time school of ministry, and for our Prayer Room to be open 24/7, as God enables us to do so.) Some will be called to pursue the life of an “intercessory missionary,” (as we call them), as their full-time or part-time occupation; ministering before the Lord day and night, while others will be called to go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom, preparing the way for the Lord’s second coming, just as John the Baptist did for His first coming. Most who come, do so in order to deepen their own personal walk with God so they may be a more effective witness in their workplace, home, church, or school.

Though this is an extremely brief description, I hope it has given some clarity about the House of Prayer. We have much more information on our website, as well as resources in our bookstore that offer more on the global prayer movement. We are praying, and invite you to pray with us, for the resources needed to fulfill this God-sized vision. Jesus, quoting Isaiah, declared that His house would be called a house of prayer for all nations, and He is raising up many such houses across the globe, as well as churches that are committed to fasting and praying unto the fulfillment of the Great Commission and His soon coming return. If you know others who may have a desire to be part of this vital movement please contact me—we need more partners who see the value and desire the completion of these same goals. As Scripture states, “The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.” (1 Cor. 3:8) It takes each one doing his or her part to accomplish what God desires. Thanks so much for your willingness to do your part as you continue to pray, give, and stand with us to see His Kingdom come as it is in heaven.

Blessings,

Charlene Hughes