What is the Global Day of Prayer?

The Global Day of Prayer is a world-wide celebration of prayer beginning on June 2, 2011, and culminating ten days later on June 12, 2011. Modeling the Pentecost celebration, its mission is to unite the global body of Christ, seek God’s revival, and intercede on behalf of our world.

What is the history behind the Global Day of Prayer?

In July 2000, and in February 2002, God gave two complimentary visions to Graham Power, a successful businessman and relatively new convert that Africa will become the “Light to the world” and this vision had 5 stages. In 2001, one stadium in Cape Town, South Africa was filled with 45,000 people to pray. In 2002, it expanded to eight stadiums and 350,000. A year later 2.5 million gathered in 130 stadiums. On May 2, 2004, the movement exploded to nearly ten times the size. More than 22 million rallied in prayer at more than 2,000 sites throughout every single country on the continent of Africa (56 nations). Leaders from most major traditions of Christian faith called their people to join in this historic act of united prayer.

In 2005 African leaders invited Christians around the world to pray with them. On Pentecost Sunday, May 15, 2005, Christians from 156 of the 220 nations of the world united across denominational and cultural borders for the first Global Day of Prayer. In the months following this day, Christians were overwhelmed by the testimonies of God’s powerful work in answer to these prayers. In 2008 millions of Christians from 214 nations united in prayer and on May 31, 2009 a miracle happened when this initiative miraculously expanded to 220 countries in the world.

To learn more, read The Story of the GDOP.

Is the Global Day of Prayer the same as the National Day of Prayer?

No. The National Day of Prayer and the Global Day of Prayer are two separate observances; however, both are projects of America’s National Prayer Committee. The NDOP observance, led by the NDOP Task Force, remains the government sanctioned observance committed to prayer for America. The Global Day of Prayer, in cooperation with the International Prayer Council and Transformation Africa, focuses on prayer for our world.

What is the reason for the 10 day period before the Global Day of Prayer?

When Jesus ascended into heaven, (Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9) He instructed his disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the “promise of the Father.” For ten days, these 12 men of God sought the Lord in fervent prayer. During that ten day period of intense intercession, God increased their numbers and prepared them to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Following this Biblical example, there will be a ten day period of intercession leading up to the Global Day of Prayer, starting on June 2 (Ascension Day) and culminating on June 12 (the Biblical day of Pentecost.) As the Lord responded to the 12 disciples, GDOP participants anticipate a powerful movement of God’s hand as he responds to an army of 200 million.

Is there an event scheduled near me?

Most likely. You can find out on the USA Events page.

How do I register my local event?

Go to the registration page for Community Events or register as a Participating Church.

How do I find out about the live broadcast?

Learn details on the broadcast page.

How do I get posters, prayer guides and other resources?

Ten-Day prayer guides can be purchased to place in bulletins or hand out at National Day of Prayer events. In addition, customizable posters are available, as well as images for making signs and banners. Find them on the resources page along with more helpful tools.

Why is there a Global Day of Prayer?

The Global Day of Prayer was inspired by a powerful movement of prayer and revival in Africa, in which 45,000 Christians gathered in a Cape Town stadium to seek God’s face. By 2004, this group of prayer warriors had grown into a continental army nearly 20 million strong.

Today, by movement of the Holy Spirit, Africa’s Christian community is inviting the world to join them for the first annual Global Day of Prayer. Charged with the vision in Habakkuk 2:14, this revolutionary event endeavors to glorify Christ and bring unity and revival to the nations. “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.”

The Christian community is expecting more than 250 million believers to unite for this global celebration on June 12. This world-wide event will feature three hours of live prayer broadcast. Relayed by satellite, radio, and internet, this concert of prayer will be accessible from any location.

I support National Day of Prayer. Should I participate in the Global Day of Prayer?

The mission and primary purpose of the NDOP Task Force is to call our nation to prayer. The Global Day of Prayer emphasizes prayer for our world. Though they emphasize different regions, both share the same goal: to call God’s people to prayer.

Prayer has always been a movement of God. It not only unites communities, it can also unite the world. As Christian believers gather to seek God’s face, we can anticipate the powerful blessings of His hand.

How can I get a Global Day of Prayer started in my community?

Start by finding others with the same vision for united prayer in your community. Sometimes it is an individual who catches the vision to host a Global Day of Prayer and other times it may be a pastor or a fellowship of pastors. In any case, it’s best that visionary leaders do not work alone, but find other like-minded leaders.

There are many great resources available to you on the website www.gdopusa.com. In the section How To Be Involved is where you will find the Global Day Organizer Guide (PDF – 176 KB) that is full of practical and proven ideas for putting together a well-organized event that brings glory and honor to God. A video is a great way to share a vision. Download the 2011 three-minute Promo Video to show to others to help them “see” what GDOP is about.

No two events or gatherings look exactly alike. While each event is unique, every GDOP community event affirms the Points of Agreement in order to encourage Christ-centered unity. Whether a small group, a church, several church or a community, “A Prayer for the World” is the one element that each gathering or event agrees to pray through together in its entirety. This is true for every gathering across the globe.

Always keep in mind that we are gathering locally but praying globally. This is not just another church service. It is a time for Christians to unite together for extraordinary prayer.

How can I help support the Global Day of Prayer?

There are 3 ways in which you can help support the Global Day of Prayer.

1. Pray that God would move mightily in the prayers of His people as we seek His leading.

2. Create a buzz about the Global Day of Prayer. Get people imagining what God might do if 500 million of His people cry out to Him on behalf of the nations of the world. Get people talking. Forward this website to friends and your networks. Subscribe to receive email updates and forward them, too.

3. The GDOP USA operates primarily on the gifts of God’s people to be able to develop and provide resources such as this website. There is no central source of funding for global or national movements. Christians in every nation and every community find ways to cover the costs of the movements they serve. Give to your local, national, and/or global movements.

To support the national movement in the USA, visit www.gdopusa.com/donate.

To support the global movement, visit http://globaldayofprayer.com/donate.html.

Please inquire locally how you and others can be generous toward your local movement.