National Chain Prayer 2012

The idea is only two weeks old, but it has grown to something that I believe will be something we remember for years to come. First, let me give a little background, then let you know about a wonderful idea.

Many things in our society seem to be moving quickly away from God and the Christian foundations of this country. Thankfully, there seems to be a strong movement among many Christians to counteract that movement, but in proper ways. No violence. No hate. No cruelty. Instead, Christians seem to be more fervent in prayer, as we seek to bring America back to her moral grounding in Scripture.

In just a few weeks, we will go to the polls in national, state, and local elections. Dozens of amendments, referendums, and other matters will be on ballots all over the country. Each time Americans go to the polls, it is important, but many feel this election–for scores of reasons across the country–is possibly a watershed moment.

In “yesteryear,” Christians would often meet in church houses or homes to pray leading up to such moments. Due to a lack of technology and communication, though, many Christians felt a bit isolated in these actions.

On Monday, November 5, that will all change.

Through the work of many people, Churches of Christ all across the country will be hosting the National Chain Prayer. This event will be held in dozens–if not hundreds–of locations all across the country. Church buildings will open their doors and stream the 6-hour chain prayer. The event will be live online for families or individuals who cannot make it to a hosting church building to watch and pray, as well.

30 men from all over the country will be leading 9-10 minute prayers during the 6-hour event. It will begin at 5PM eastern and last until 11 eastern. Lebanon Road’s elders have agreed to serve as the overseeing shepherds, and I am honored to serve as the emcee for the night. We are praying for a huge number of congregations to agree to open their building to allow people to pray.

Here are some things to keep in mind.

1. This event is non-partisan. Our goal is not to pray that we elect any particular candidate (at any level of government) nor party. The prayer will be for the future of our nation, and for wisdom as we go to the polls.

2. The event is free. All you need to host is the proper technology. (More about that in a moment.)

3. While the event is 6 hours, we are stressing that it is very much “come-and-go.” The reason for the length is due to this being a nationwide event. We want people from east coast to Hawaii to have time slots that are convenient to them to attend.

4. This will be a night of prayer only. My job as emcee is to simply introduce (in about 30 seconds) each man who will lead prayer. We are not going to have announcements (after a quick introduction to the evening) or sermons or singing. We are going to bend our knees before God in fervent prayer.

So, where can you go to learn more? Thankfully, some of the best technological and social media minds in the brotherhood are helping with this event, and they have already got some information ready. The website is a single page right now, but will be building more and more information very soon.

The National Chain Prayer website can be found here. In coming days, all sorts of information about how to host (technology questions, promotional materials, etc.) will be ready for you to use. Further, we will be adding a blog page to the website for you to follow, that will include pertinent news, video advertisements, and updates on the number of people attending the event.

Additionally, you will want to follow us on social media to get all the updates as they become available. Follow on: Twitter , Facebook , and Google+. I’d like to see us have over 100 people on each of these by the end of today, so join in there and invite your friends to join, too!

We pray that you will keep this night in your prayers, and we pray that you will consider hosting at your home congregation or attending. This will be a night we will not soon forget, and we pray it is to God’s glory!

…Now, start spreading the word!