“You do not have because you do not ask God.”
James 4:2b (NIV)
Though God knows every word we are going to say before we say it, we still need to say it (Psalm 139:4). To win the lottery you need to purchase a ticket. The odds are a little better if you buy many, but the bottom line is you can’t win it unless you enter it. While I am not advocating playing the lottery, what I am promoting is unless you pray, you are missing out on tapping into God’s greatest blessings. God wants to move powerfully in your life, and in our city, but His economy requires prayer. God releasing His power is all related to our asking Him and inviting His presence into our midst or circumstances. That’s why a prayerless church is a powerless church. Likewise, a prayerless person does not know God’s fullest blessing, and they are weak and anemic. And though it only takes one prayer for God to move, sometimes God wants us to humbly and consistently come back to Him over and over again, pleading with Him for our request (Luke 18:1). So, pray. Pray more. Pray more fervently… and don’t stop until the answer comes. And while you’re at it, ask God to stir and mobilize fervent prayer in the church across Athens!
Here are some great opportunities to press into God together with others across Athens to ask Him to do amazing in our city.
Every day we try to post something on the APN Facebook page. These posts include prayer opportunities, prayer points and prayer inspirations. Definitely worth checking out daily to help stay connected with what God is doing!
Please note there is no Student Pastors Prayer or Groups Pastors Prayer in July. We will dive back into our rhythm in August.
Athens Intercessors Community
Monday, July 8 / 7 to 9pm
APN Prayer Center
Though this is not a closed group, it is definitely not for everyone. It is specifically for those who are intercessors in Athens, to come together, connect, network, get equipped and pray for and with each other. If you’re interested in being a part of it, please let me know.
Pastors Prayer
Wednesday, July 10 / 9 to 10am
Classic City Ministry Center – 386 N Milledge Ave., Athens 30601
This group of senior pastors is such a beautiful expression of the unity that God is expanding in Athens. Each month we come together to share our lives with each other. Please take time to pray for your pastor while we are meeting, from wherever you are at (i.e. the beach, Disney World, Costa Rica…). Ask God to refresh, encourage, protect and provide for your pastor, their marriage and their family. Pray that God would guard and deepen the unity He has established in Athens among these pastors. Ask God to meet each of these spiritual gatekeepers of Athens right where they are, and give them all it takes to stay connected to God and run strongly throughout this summer! Ask God to prepare and position each of these pastors for what’s coming in the Fall.
Prayer Walking at UGA
Saturday, July 13 / 10am to just before noon
UGA Arch – Corner of Broad Street and College Ave
This month we will once again hit the pavement on the second Saturday. Our cry is for God to do His will, completely and powerfully, in Athens. If you are able, please come and join in with other folks from across our city to ask God to do awesomely! Every prayer walk is pretty truly unique, and always amazing! We meet up at the UGA Arch and go from there. Even if you have never been on a prayer walk before, or you’re a veteran intercessor, or like most of us, somewhere in-between, you are welcome to join us as we walk, talk and pray for revival at UGA, across Athens, and beyond.
Executive Pastors Prayer
Thursday, July 18 / 9 to 10am
St James UMC – 111 West Lake Drive, Athens 30606
Every month, the amazing leaders who “run” churches in Athens come together to share and pray for and with each other. Please pray for the executive / administrative pastor (or those who do that role) in your church and the others who carry this load in the churches across Athens. Pray that God would give them heavenly wisdom and supernatural joy as they keep the systems operating smoothly and effectively (or set up new ones) for Kingdom growth in our city. Pray that God would increase His presence and favor in their lives and homes. Pray that God would give them what they need to be prepared for what’s coming this fall.
Pastors Racial Unity Gathering
Thursday, July 25 / 10am to noon
The Light – 174 Henderson Ext., Athens 30605
Black and white senior pastors from across Athens have been meeting together just about three years now to discuss and pray into racial issues we face. God has done so much already! Please join us in praying that every wall of division and racism would come down. Pray that the work that these pastors are doing together in the secret place, would be felt in their congregations and across our city! Pray for even greater grace to share and love each other as we press toward the Fall, and all that God is about to do!
Prayer for the Middle East & Israel
Friday, July 26 / noon to 1pm
Living Hope (House of Prayer) – 2150 Lexington Road, Athens 30605
This is a monthly opportunity to focus prayer with others for important issues in the Middle East. Most often there are reports from missionaries who are on the ground in the Middle East, to help direct the prayer. Please join in as we press into God on behalf of this precious region of the world. And if you cannot physically be at this gathering, please take time on this day to pray for the Middle East.
Ongoing and inspirational…
Athens Daily Prayer Texts
Ongoing
All across Athens area
These Daily Prayer Texts are delivered to cell phones across Athens and beyond every day at 8am (ET). If you have not yet hooked up with these prayer-focusing messages, please sign up by texting @athenspray to 81010. This is an amazing way to stand in unified, focused prayer with others from across our city for our city!
Coming up…
Back to School Prayer Vigil
Friday & Saturday, August 2 & 3 / 6pm to 6pm
UGA Wesley Prayer Chapel
Campus Ministries Leadership Prayer
Tuesday, August 6 / 9 to 11am
Christ Community Church
Pray for Gaines
Saturday, August 10 / 9 to 10am
Gaines Elementary School
All Campus Worship & Prayer Night
Sunday, August 11 / 7 to 8pm
Georgia Theater
Campus Prayer
Begins Monday, August 19 / noon to 1pm
UGA Tate – room 480
For more (and up to date) stuff…
There are often more prayer things happening in Athens than listed here. And some activities may change. To find out the latest please check out www.facebook.com/groups/1423907481169281/
Bless you heaps!!!
Steve
