“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”  
Ephesians 4:3 (NIV)

Here in Athens, God has given us a grace for unity. Even downtown in front of City Hall there is a statue of the Spirit of Athens, which in itself looks kind of weird. But at the base reads Ephesians 4:3. And where there is unity, God commands His blessing, even life forever more (Psalm 133). That’s a pretty strong promise! And as God has arranged, the theme for the National Day of Prayer is unity. Take hold of it and look for opportunities to pray with others. God’s blessing is truly and powerfully with it!

And of course, here are some more opportunities to pray with others this month. May you see God’s commanded blessing as you pray!!!

Please note… there will be a change in some of our normal rhythm during the summer months. Enjoy and embrace and get ready for what God is going to do in the fall. We will re-converge with a new rhythm in August.

National Day of Prayer
May 3 / 7am to 8:30pm
Across Athens

Scripture tells us again and again that our fervent prayer is effective. That our loving God responds to His children’s earnest pleas in mighty ways that avail much, and ultimately determine the course of history. At this crucial time for our nation, we can do nothing more important than pray!

1 – Prayer Breakfast / 7 to 8:30am
The Classic Center – 300 N. Thomas St., Athens 30601

Featured speaker, Dr. Fritz Schaefer; Featured vocalist, Dr. Greg Broughton
Cost is $250 per table for 10 or $25 per person

Click here to purchase tickets online, or contact Bob Bowen at 706-614-6210.
Parking is FREE in the Classic Center lot.

2 – Student Pastors Prayer / 9 to 10am
St James UMC – 111 West Lake Drive, Athens 30606

Our monthly Student Pastors Prayer happens to fall on the NDoP. So, the Student Pastors from around Athens will be meeting up to pray together. Please join as we continue to pray for God to move powerfully on all the Middle School and High School campuses in Athens. Pray that the various ministries would have even greater favor on each of the campuses across Athens and for a very strong finish across the city. Pray that our unity would continue to gain momentum between student ministries (and student pastors). Pray that God would rise up more student leaders in preparation of the coming harvest! Pray for a strong, holy finish across these campuses in Athens.

2 – Various prayer focuses & opportunities during the day
Across Athens

For more details of the various opportunities and focuses of prayer during the day see www.acmin.org/National-Day-of-Prayer

3 – Prayer at Athens Courthouse Steps / Noon to 1pm
Athens Courthouse – 325 East Washington, Athens 30601

What a great opportunity to display our faith in the public realm as we cry out to God on the Courthouse steps! Please join us as we kneel before our King! This is usually broadcast on 88.9FM.

4 – Citywide Prayer Gathering / 7 to 8:30pm
Cornerstone – 4680 Lexington Road, Athens 30606

Everyone is welcome to join in this powerful time of united corporate prayer. For almost two years, senior pastors in Athens have gathered regularly to discuss and pray into racial issues in our city. We want to wrap the prayer activities in Athens on this National Day of Prayer with allowing these private hidden pastoral gatherings to ooze out into our community. Various pastors will be sharing and leading us in prayers of unity, repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation and revival. You will not want to miss out on this significant gathering for our city.

Pastors Prayer
Wednesday, May 9 / 9 to 10am
The Sparrow’s Nest – 745 Prince Avenue, Athens 30606

Senior Pastors carry a tremendous load and play a very important role in our city. Every month there is an opportunity for the Senior Pastors from around Athens come together to encourage and pray for and with each other. God has given us an amazing and unique grace for unity in Athens. And He is calling us even deeper more unity and reconciliation! Please pray that God would protect this unity and that it would continue to grow wider and deeper. And pray that the world in Athens would take note of this unity and respond by acknowledging that Jesus is exactly who He said He is (John 17:20-23). Specifically, if your pastor is not already involved, please be praying that he/she would be drawn into this network. Ask God to raise up for even more intense prayer for your pastor. Pray that more intercessors would rise up to pray for the pastors across Athens. Ask God to meet with each of these pastors and refresh, renew them right where they need it. Pray that God would fan into white hot flame their first love for Him (Revelation 2:4). Pray for their protection in the battle (be sure to include their marriages and families). Ask God to increase their strength and stamina. Ask that God would give them wisdom and revelation that they would know Him better (Ephesians 1:17) and that they would live, lead and minister from that place of intimacy with Jesus (John 15:1-8). And ask God for a greater measure of joy, peace, rest, power and faith to be released over them and their ministry (Romans 15:3)!

Prayer Walking at UGA
Saturday, May 12 / 10am to just before noon
UGA Arch – Corner of Broad Street and College Ave

Rain or shine, heat or cold (at least this time of year we won’t be expecting snow), we hit the ground praying. We meet up at the UGA Arch and go from there. This is a monthly opportunity (the second Saturday) to join in with other prayer warriors from across our city to focus prayer on the campus and our city. These are always truly amazing and unique times of prayer!!! You are most welcome to join us as we walk, talk and pray for revival at UGA, across Athens, and beyond.

Prayer for the Middle East
Wednesday, May 16 / noon to 1pm
Living Hope (House of Prayer) – 2150 Lexington Road, Athens 30605

This is the monthly gathering of focused prayer for the Middle East and Israel. There are usually updates from the Middle East, that lead to very specific praying. Everyone is welcome to join in as we pray for Israel and the Middle East. Please pray for the Kingdom of God to advance in Israel and across the Middle East!

Pastors Racial Reconciliation Gathering
Thursday, May 24 / 10am to noon
Bethel Baptist Church Watkinsville – 59 N Main Street, Watkinsville 30677

Senior pastors are now gathering every two months for two hours to continue to discuss and pray into the racial issues we are facing in our city and across our nation. This group has become a safe place to share honestly and pray deeply. And it has been very eye opening for black and white pastors alike! Though lunch is no longer a scheduled part of the gathering, many pastors go out for lunch together after our meeting to build their relationships with one another. Continue to pray that God would tear down every wall that divides races in our city AND establish trust and love among His leaders and churches in Athens. For you non-senior pastors, please mark your calendar to be in prayer for this while we are meeting!

Campus Ministers Day of Prayer
May 30 / 8:30am to 4:30pm
The Monastery of the Holy Spirit – 2625 GA-212, Conyers 30094

Several of the campus ministers from the various organizations at UGA (at least those who happen to be in town in at the end of May) will be heading to the monastery for a day of prayer. There will be time to wait in silence before the Lord, and for personal prayer, as well as time to pray together. We are hoping that one of the monks would be able to facilitate a time of prayer with us! Please pray for the campus ministers this summer, that God would refresh, renew, speak to and fan their flame of intimacy with Him. Pray that they would be spiritually ready to catch the rising wave in August!!!

Ongoing and inspirational…

Athens Daily Prayer Texts
Ongoing
All across Athens area

These Daily Prayer Texts are short messages sent to your cell phone every morning at 8am. Each text includes a brief bible verse and a focus for praying. To sign up all you need to do is text @athenspray to 81010 and you’ll start getting these inspirational, prayer focusing texts right away.

Encounter Gatherings
Thursdays / 6:30 to 8pm
Cornerstone (Athens Prayer Center) – 4680 Lexington Road, Athens 30605

These weekly gatherings are open to everyone who wants to meet with God and grow in their faith. The focus will be on “The Believers Authority.” These gatherings include some amazing teaching, deep worship and lots of prayer! Everyone from across the city is invited join in if you are able!

Coming up…

End of Summer Prayer Vigil
Date and venue still to be determined.
The focus will be for revival in the schools in Athens

Campus Ministries Leaders Prayer Gathering
Tuesday, August 7 / 9 to 11am
Christ Community Church – 890 Boulevard, Athens 30601

For more (and up to date) stuff…

Not every prayer activity in Athens is listed above. Some of the above activities may change, and there are other prayer opportunities that come up in addition to things listed above… you can get the latest happenings at www.facebook.com/groups/1423907481169281/

Bless you heaps!!!
Steve

“One who breaks open the way will go up before them;
they will break through the gate and go out.
Their King will pass through before them,
the LORD at their head.” 
Micah 2:13 (NIV)

We are in a season where break through is before us. We are seeing more and more cracks in the wall that holds back revival and a move of God in Athens. Please keep praying. Keep pressing into God on behalf of this city. Keep knocking on the door for heaven to be opened over Athens!!!

Here are some more opportunities to pray with others this month. May you see God breaking through in answer of your prayers!!!

Please note, once again there will not be a Citywide Prayer Leaders Gathering this month.

Student Pastors Prayer
Thursday, April 5 / 9 to 10am
Life Church – 120 Ware Street, Athens GA 30601

The Student Pastors from around Athens will be meeting up to pray together as usual on the first Thursday of the month. Please join as we continue to pray for God to move powerfully on all the Middle School and High School campuses in Athens (building upon what He did at The Mix this year). Pray that the various ministries would have even greater favor on each of the campuses across Athens. Pray that our unity would continue to gain momentum between student ministries (and student pastors). Pray that God would rise up more student leaders in preparation of the coming harvest!

Campus Prayer
Friday, April 6, 13 & 20 / 8 to 9am
UGA Tate Center – Room 480

We are going weekly!!! This campus ministry provides a context for students and others (i.e. faculty) from across UGA and various churches in Athens to come together on campus to pray for and with one another, and for revival on the campus. Please pass the word about this exciting opportunity to all the UGA students that you know. And continue to pray for greater unity on the campus and ultimately revival across the campus and beyond.

Pastors Prayer
Wednesday, April 11 / 9 to 10am
Hill Chapel Baptist Church – 1692 W Hancock, Athens 30606

Senior Pastors are spiritual gatekeepers, who carry a heavy load and play a very important role in our city. Every month the Senior Pastors from around Athens come together on the second Wednesday to encourage and pray for and with each other. God has given us an amazing and unique grace for unity in Athens. And He is calling us deeper still! Please pray that God would protect this unity and that it would continue to grow wider and deeper. And pray that the world in Athens would begin to take note of this unity and respond by acknowledging that Jesus is exactly who He said He is (John 17:20-23). Specifically, be praying that your pastor would be drawn into this network if he is not already involved. Pray for even more intense prayer for your pastor. Pray that more intercessors would rise up to pray for the pastors across Athens. Ask God to meet with each of these pastors and refresh, renew them right where they need it. Pray that God would fan into burning hot flame their first love for Him (Revelation 2:4). Pray for their protection in the battle (be sure to include their marriages and families) because this battle is real. Ask God to increase their strength and stamina. Ask that God would give them wisdom and revelation that they would know Him better Ephesians 1:17 and that they would live, lead and minister from that place of intimacy with Jesus (John 15:1-8). And ask God for a greater measure of joy, peace, rest, power and faith to be released over them and their ministry (Romans 15:3)!

Prayer Walking at UGA
Saturday, April 14 / 10am to just before noon
UGA Arch – Corner of Broad Street and College Ave

Rain or shine, heat or cold (and at this point it could be anything), we hit the ground praying. We meet up at the UGA Arch and go from there. This is a monthly opportunity (usually the second Saturday) to join in with other prayer warriors from across our city to focus prayer on the campus and our city. These are always pretty amazing and unique times of prayer!!! You are most welcome to join us as we walk, talk and pray for revival at UGA, across Athens, and beyond.

Prayer for the Middle East
Wednesday, April 18 / noon to 1pm
Living Hope (House of Prayer) – 2150 Lexington Road, Athens 30605

This is the monthly gathering of focused prayer for the Middle East and Israel. There are usually updates from the Middle East, that lead to very specific praying. Everyone is welcome to join in as we pray for Israel and the Middle East. Please pray for the Kingdom of God to advance in Israel and across the Middle East!

Executive Pastors Prayer 
Thursday, April 19 / 9 to 10am
Athens Church – 10 Huntington Road, Athens 30606

This is the monthly gathering of those who “run” the churches in our city. Please pray for these guys as they connect, pray together and share wisdom. Pray for God to pour out on them wisdom and grace to know Him better. Pray for their partnership with their senior pastor, that trust, grace and confidence would grow even deeper. Pray that they would have joy in doing what they get to do from behind the scenes! Pray that God would meet them and bless them and their families! And pray for the pastor who does this in your church!

Unity Prayer
Sunday, April 22 / 9:15 to 10:30pm
Classic City Church Ministry Center – 386 N. Milledge Avenue, Athens 30601

This is a monthly gathering of college students (only) lead by college students from across the campus ministries and various local churches coming together to pray. Please join them in praying for revival & awakening on the UGA campus. Please note, this is the last Unity Prayer this semester. Please join in if you can!!!

Groups Pastors Prayer 
Thursday, April 26 / 9 to 10am
Athens Church – 10 Huntington Road, Athens 30606

This is the monthly gathering of those who “lead” the Groups Ministries in Athens. Please pray for these who recruit and equip group leaders and develop strategies to help folks do life in circles, not just in pews! Pray that more leaders to rise up and more people to want to be involved in community!

Ongoing and inspirational…

Athens Daily Prayer Texts
Ongoing
All across Athens area

These Daily Prayer Texts are short messages sent to your cell phone every morning at 8am. Each text includes a brief bible verse and a focus for praying. To sign up all you need to do is text @athenspray to 81010 and you’ll start getting these inspirational, prayer focusing texts right away.

Campus Ministers Prayer
Mondays, April 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 / 1:30 to 2:45pm
Near UGA 

Most Mondays during the school year, the directors of the various campus ministries at UGA meet up to pray and share life together. This gathering is vital in building unity and spiritual momentum on campus. Please pray for these leaders as they connect with one another and in humility journey together to reach UGA with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Please pray that each of these key leaders would grow in intensity with passion, devotion, wisdom and grace! And pray that God would prepare each of us so that we are ready as He releases a new wave of His Spirit across the campus!

Encounter Gatherings
Thursdays / 6:30 to 8pm
Cornerstone (Athens Prayer Center) – 4680 Lexington Road, Athens 30605

These weekly gatherings are open to everyone who wants to meet with God and grow in their faith. The focus will be on “The Believers Authority.” These gatherings include some amazing teaching, deep worship and lots of prayer! Everyone from across the city is invited join in if you are able!

Coming up…

National Day of Prayer
May 3 / 7am to 8:30pm
Across Athens

Scripture tells us again and again that our fervent prayer is effective. That our loving God responds to His children’s earnest pleas in mighty ways that avail much, and ultimately determine the course of history. At this crucial time for our nation, we can do nothing more important than pray! For more info on the day please check out http://www.acmin.org/National-Day-of-Prayer

1 – Prayer Breakfast / 7 to 8:30am
The Classic Center – 300 N. Thomas St., Athens, 30601

Featured speaker, Dr. Fritz Schaefer; Featured vocalist, Dr. Greg Broughton. Cost is $250 per table for 10 or $25 per person. Click here to purchase tickets online, or contact Bob Bowen at 706-614-6210. Parking is FREE in the Classic Center lot.

2 – Various prayer focuses & opportunities during the day 
Across Athens

For more details of the various opportunities and focuses of prayer during the day see www.acmin.org/National-Day-of-Prayer

3 – Citywide Prayer Gathering / 7 to 8:30pm
Cornerstone – 4680 Lexington Road, Athens, 30606

Over the past 20 months, senior pastors have gathered regularly to discuss and pray into racial issues in our city. We want to wrap the prayer activities in Athens on this National Day of Prayer with allowing these private hidden pastoral gatherings to ooze out into our community. Various pastors will be sharing and leading us in prayers of unity, repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation and revival. You will not want to miss out on this significant gathering for our city. So, mark your calendar and begin praying that God would weave together every aspect that He desires into this significant gathering. And please pass the word!!!

Pastors Racial Reconciliation Gathering
Thursday, May 24 / 10am to noon

Black and white senior pastors from Athens have been coming together over the past 20 months to discuss and pray into the racial issues we are facing in our city and across our nation. We are now doing this with a greater frequency (every two months) but shorter in length (2 hours instead of 4). Lunch is no longer a scheduled part of the gathering, though many pastors go out for lunch together after our meeting. Continue to pray that God would tear down every wall that divides races in our city AND establish trust and love among His leaders and churches in Athens. This group has become a safe place to share honestly and pray deeply. For you non-senior pastors, please mark your calendar to be in prayer for this while we are meeting!

For more (and up to date) stuff…
Not every prayer activity in Athens is listed above. Some of the above activities may change, and there are other prayer opportunities that come up in addition to things listed above… you can get the latest happenings at www.facebook.com/groups/1423907481169281/

“May the LORD answer all your prayers.” 
Psalm 20:5 (NLT)

We just came out of a weekend where 2400 teenagers gathered together from 35 churches in Athens to chase after God, superimposed by a 36 hours prayer covering. Every student was prayed for by name many times over!!! The Mix 18 was the best ever, and you could feel it in the atmosphere. The students were responsive to the Word and connected to the worship. In the end, lives were changed and seismic waves are now reverberating throughout the city. Thank you everyone who participated in the onsite watch, or offsite watch, or any site watch (just prayed from wherever you were without signing up for the offsite watch). The Lord has and will continue to answer your prayers for The Mix. Please pray that the fruit of The Mix would last and spread!!!

Here are some more opportunities to pray with others this month. May you see God powerfully answer more of your prayers!!!

Please note, once again there will not be a Citywide Prayer Leaders Gathering this month.

Student Pastors Prayer
Thursday, March 1 / 9 to 10am
Beech Haven Baptist – 2390 Broad Street, Athens GA 30606

Just coming out of an amazing weekend at The Mix, the Student Pastors from around Athens are meeting up to pray together as usual on the first Thursday of the month. Please join as we continue to pray for God to move powerfully (building upon what He began at The Mix) on all the Middle School and High School campuses in Athens. Pray that the various ministries would have even greater favor on each of the campuses across Athens. Pray that our unity would continue to gain momentum between student ministries (and student pastors). Pray that God would rise up more student leaders in preparation of the coming harvest! Check out the Facebook page to see what happened at The Mix18… www.facebook.com/groups/1423907481169281/

Prayer Walking at UGA
Saturday, March 10 / 10am to just before noon
UGA Arch – Corner of Broad Street and College Ave

Rain or shine, heat or cold (and it will probably be a bit chilly), we hit the ground praying. We meet up at the UGA Arch and go from there. This is a monthly opportunity (usually the second Saturday) to join in with other prayer warriors from across our city to focus prayer on the campus and our city. These are always pretty amazing and unique times of prayer!!! You are most welcome to join us as we walk, talk and pray for revival at UGA, across Athens, and beyond.

Pastors Prayer
Wednesday, March 14 / 9 to 10am
The Light – 174 Henderson Ext., Athens 30605

Senior Pastors are very important leaders in our city. As spiritual gatekeepers they carry a huge responsibility on their shoulders! Every month the Senior Pastors from around Athens come together on the second Wednesday to encourage and pray for and with each other. God is giving us an amazing and unique grace for unity in Athens. Please pray that God would protect this unity and that it would continue to deepen and grow wider. Pray that the world would begin to take note of this unity and respond by acknowledging that Jesus is exactly who He said He was (John 17:20-23). Be praying that your pastor would be drawn into this network if he is not already involved. Pray for even more intense prayer for your pastor. Also pray that more intercessors would rise up to pray for the pastors across our city. Ask God to meet with them and refresh, renew them exactly where they need. Pray that God would fan into burning hot flame their first love for Him. Pray for their protection in the battle (be sure to include their marriages and families). Ask God to increase their strength and stamina. As Ephesians 1:17 says, ask that God would give them wisdom and revelation that they would know Him better and that they would live, lead and minister from that place of intimacy with Jesus (John 15:1-8). And ask God for a greater measure of joy, peace, rest, power and faith to be released over them and their ministry (Romans 15:3)!

Executive Pastors Prayer 
Thursday, March 15 / 9 to 10am
TBD

This is the monthly gathering of those who “run” the churches in our city. Please pray for these guys as they connect, pray together and share wisdom. Pray for God to pour out on them wisdom and grace to know Him better. Pray for their partnership with their senior pastor, for trust, grace and confidence would grow. Pray that they would have joy in doing what they get to do from behind the scenes! Pray that God would meet them and bless them and their families! Pray for the pastor who does this in your church!

Prayer for the Middle East
Wednesday, March 21 / noon to 1pm
Living Hope (House of Prayer) – 2150 Lexington Road, Athens 30605

This is the monthly gathering of focused prayer for the Middle East and Israel. There are usually updates from the Middle East, which lead to some very specific praying. Everyone is welcome to join in as we pray for Israel and the conflict in the Middle East. Please pray for the Kingdom of God to advance in Israel and across the Middle East!

Groups Pastors Prayer 
Thursday, March 22 / 9 to 10am
Cornerstone – 4680 Lexington Road, Athens 30605

This is the monthly gathering of those who “lead” the groups ministries in Athens. Please pray for these who recruit and equip group leaders and develop strategies to help folks do life in circles, not just in pews! Pray that more leaders to rise up and more people to want to be involved in community!

Unity Prayer
Sunday, March 25 / 9:15 to 10:30pm
Classic City Church Ministry Center – 386 N. Milledge Avenue, Athens 30601

This is a monthly gathering of college students (only) lead by college students from across the campus ministries and various local churches coming together to pray. Please join them in praying for revival & awakening on the UGA campus.

Pastors Racial Reconciliation Gathering
Thursday, March 29 / 10am to noon
Living Hope (House of Prayer) – 2150 Lexington Rd, Athens 30605

Black and white senior pastors from Athens have been coming together over the past 20 months to discuss and pray into the racial issues we are facing in our city and across our nation. Up to now we have been doing this every three months for half days (4 hours). In March, we are tweaking this into greater frequency (every two months) but shorter in length (2 hours instead of 4). Lunch is no longer a scheduled part of the gathering, though pastors are invited to go out for lunch after our meeting. Continue to pray that God would tear down every wall that divides races in our city AND establish trust and love among His leaders and churches in Athens. This group has become a safe place to share honestly and pray deeply. For you non-senior pastors, please mark your calendar to be in prayer for this while we are meeting!

Campus Prayer
Friday, March 30 / 8 to 9am
UGA Tate Center – Room 480

This campus ministry provides a context for students and others (i.e. faculty) from across UGA and various churches in Athens to come together on campus to pray for and with one another, and for revival on the campus. Right now, Campus Prayer is a monthly gathering. Please pass the word to all the UGA students that you know. And continue to pray for greater unity on the campus and ultimately revival across the campus and beyond. More of these are on the schedule for April 6, 13, and 20.

Ongoing and inspirational…

Athens Daily Prayer Texts
Ongoing
All across Athens area

These Daily Prayer Texts are short messages sent to your cell phone every morning at 8am. Each text includes a brief bible verse and a focus for praying. To sign up all you need to do is text @athenspray to 81010 and you’ll start getting these inspirational, prayer focusing texts right away.

Campus Ministers Prayer
Mondays, March 5, 19 & 26 / 1:30 to 2:45pm
Near UGA 

Most Mondays during the school year, the directors of the various campus ministries at UGA meet up to pray and share life together. This gathering is vital in building unity and spiritual momentum on campus. Please pray for these leaders as they connect with one another and in humility journey together to reach UGA with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Please pray that each of these key leaders would grow in intensity with passion, devotion, wisdom and grace! And pray that God would prepare each of us so that we are ready as He releases a new wave of His Spirit across the campus!

Encounter Gatherings
Thursdays / 6:30 to 8pm
Cornerstone (Athens Prayer Center) – 4680 Lexington Road, Athens 30605

These weekly gatherings are open to everyone who wants to meet with God and grow in their faith. The focus will be on Revival & Spiritual Awakening. These gatherings include some amazing teaching, deep worship and lots of prayer! Everyone from across the city is invited join in if you are able!

Coming up…

Campus Prayer
Friday, April 6, 13, and 20 / 8 to 9am
UGA Tate Center – Room 480

Unity Prayer
Sunday, April 22 / 9:15 to 10:30pm
Classic City Church Ministry Center

National Day of Prayer
May 3 / 7am to 8:30pm
Across Athens

Prayer Breakfast at Classic Center – 7 to 8:30am
Prayer opportunities across Athens – Throughout the day
Citywide Prayer Gathering at Cornerstone – 7 to 8:30pm

For more (and up to date) stuff…
Not every prayer activity in Athens is listed above. Some of the above activities may change, and there are other prayer opportunities that come up in addition to things listed above… you can get the latest happenings at www.facebook.com/groups/1423907481169281/

Bless you heaps!!!
Steve

“Great and marvelous are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty.” Revelation 15:3a (NIV)

As we began the New Year several weeks ago, I sensed the Lord ask me if I would do anything different if revival in Athens depended upon me? I think that is a question that we all have to ask, because we really don’t know how important our role actually is! What if, YOUR fervent, enduring, big faith prayer was exactly what God was waiting for to release His coming move in our city? Would you pray differently, more intensely, more frequently, more audaciously? The bottom-line is, God wants to do great and marvelous things among us! But too often we are not asking these of Him, or we are not asking Him enough, or we don’t actually believe what we’re asking for. Are you asking God to do great and marvelous things in your life, in your family, your church and our city? Amp it up! Ask God to give you the faith to ask for the big things He wants to do in your world! Ask God to pour out revival power in our city!!! Ask Him and keep asking Him to do the great and marvelous things He wants to do here in Athens Georgia!!! And by the way, thanks for praying!!! It really does make a difference!

Here are some opportunities to pray with others this month. May you see God do great and marvelous things in your midst!!!

Please note, this month there will not be a Citywide Prayer Leaders Gathering.

Student Pastors Prayer
Thursday, February 1 / 9 to 10am
Tuckston UMC – 4175 Lexington Road, Athens GA 30606

Back into our monthly rhythm with Student Pastors from around Athens meeting up to pray together on the first Thursday of each month. Please join as we continue to pray for a fresh move of His Spirit on all the Middle School and High School campuses in Athens. Pray that the various ministries would have greater favor on each of the campuses across Athens. Pray that unity would continue to gain momentum between student ministries (and student pastors). Pray that God would rise up more student leaders in preparation of the coming harvest! AND please be crying out for God to bring everything together for TheMix18 that’s coming up later this month. See below for more details on joining the prayer covering for this great and marvelous gathering.

Worship Pastors Prayer
Wednesday, February 7 / 9 to 10am
Beech Haven Baptist – 2390 W. Broad Street, Athens, GA 30605

On the first Wednesday of each month worship pastors from around Athens meet up to pray for and with each other and for the worship ministries across our region. Regularly these worship leaders will bring a song to share that they have recently written. Please join us in praying from wherever you are, asking God to release greater anointing upon the worship leaders in your church and across our city. Ask God for new songs, new intensity, new passion and even miracles in the context of worship in the churches across our city. Ask Him for a greater grace to worship Him in our city!

Prayer Walking at UGA
Saturday, February 10 / 10am to just before noon
UGA Arch – Corner of Broad Street and College Ave

Rain or shine, heat or cold (and it will probably be a bit chilly), we hit the ground praying. We meet up at the UGA Arch and go from there. This is a monthly opportunity (usually the second Saturday) to join in with other prayer warriors from across our city to focus prayer on the campus and our city. These are always pretty amazing and unique times of prayer!!! You are most welcome to join us as we walk, talk and pray for revival at UGA, across Athens, and beyond.

Pastors Prayer
Wednesday, February 14 / 9 to 10am
St. James UMC – 111 West Lake Drive, Athens 30606

Senior Pastors are the spiritual gatekeepers of our city. And they carry a huge responsibility on their shoulders! Monthly we come together on the second Wednesday as Senior Pastors from around Athens to encourage and pray for and with each other. God is pouring out an amazing and unique grace for unity in Athens. Pray that God would protect the unity that He has already established and that this unity would continue to deepen and grow wider. Pray that the world would begin to take note of this unity and respond by acknowledging that Jesus is exactly who He said He was (John 17:20-23). Be praying that your pastor would be drawn into this network if he is not already involved. Also pray that more intercessors would rise up to pray for the pastors across our city. Pray for even more intense prayer for your pastor. Ask God to meet with them and refresh, renew them exactly where they need it. Pray that God would fan into burning hot flame their first love for Him. Pray for their protection in the battle, please include their marriages and families. Ask God to increase their strength, and give them encouragement and stamina. As Ephesians 1:17 says, ask that God would give them wisdom and revelation that they would know Him better and that they would live, lead and minister from that place of intimacy with Jesus (John 15:1-8). And ask God for a greater measure of joy, peace, rest, power and faith to be released over them and their ministry (Romans 15:3)!

Executive Pastors Prayer
Thursday, February 15 / 9 to 10am
WFBC – 1610 Simonton Bridge Road, Watkinsville 30677

This is the monthly gathering of those who “run” the churches in our city. Please pray for these guys as they connect, pray together and share wisdom. Pray for God to pour out on them wisdom and grace to know Him better. Pray for their partnership with their senior pastor, for trust, grace and confidence would grow. Pray that they would have joy in doing what they get to do from behind the scenes! Pray that God would meet them and bless them and their families! Pray for the pastor who does this in your church!

Night of Healing Prayer
Thursday, February 15 / 7 to 8:30pm
St James UMC – 111 West Lake Drive, Athens 30606

This is an opportunity to receive prayer for healing. Come as you are. If you desire you can have individual prayer with two trained prayer ministers for whatever your needs and concerns with complete confidentiality.

Campus Prayer
Friday, February 16 / 8 to 9am
UGA Tate Center – Room 480

This campus ministry provides a context for students and others (i.e. faculty) from across UGA and various churches in Athens to come together on campus to pray for and with one another, and for revival on the campus. Right now, Campus Prayer is a monthly gathering. Please pass the word to all the UGA students that you know. And continue to pray for greater unity on the campus and ultimately revival across the campus and beyond.

Prayer for the Middle East
Wednesday, February 21 / noon to 1pm
Living Hope (House of Prayer) – 2150 Lexington Road, Athens 30605

This is the monthly gathering of focused prayer for the Middle East and Israel. There are usually updates from the Middle East, which lead to some very specific praying. Everyone is welcome to join in as we pray for Israel and the conflict in the Middle East. Please pray for the Kingdom of God to advance in Israel and across the Middle East!

The Mix 2018
Friday – Sunday, February 23 to 25, 2018
Athens Church – 10 Huntington Road, Athens 30606

The Mix is a weekend-long experience centered on worship, growth, and relationships. Over 2500 middle school and high school students from over 30 different churches in our city will converge for this amazing weekend together. We have services on Friday evening, Saturday morning, and Saturday night. Most churches facilitate and coordinate host homes where students will spend the night with youth leaders. At the host homes students will discuss life and how the weekend is impacting their relationship with God. Saturday afternoons are open for groups to spend it anyway that brings their group together. Often groups find ways to serve throughout the city, or spend time relaxing with their leaders, or even join other groups for fun activities! On Sunday morning youth groups attend their church’s normal worship service and share about the experience. This year we are saturating The Mix in prayer, lots of prayer, united and focused prayer. We believe this is going to be the most awesome Mix yet, because God faithfully answers prayer with awesome deeds (Psalm 65:5a – NLT)! For more info on The Mix check out http://www.themixathens.com/

Pre-Mix Prayer Assistant Briefing
Sunday, February 18 / 1:30 to 2pm
Athens Church – 10 Huntington Road, Athens 30606

During The Mix Prayer Watch (see below for details) there will be ‘prayer assistants’ present to help the teams with whatever they need to have a powerful and effective hour of prayer. These prayer assistants will take THREE HOUR slots and be the connection points for incoming teams. Please pray for these prayer assistants. And if you are one, please mark your calendar to be at this meeting (if you haven’t already marked it).

Pre-Mix Prayer Gathering
Sunday, February 18 / 2 to 2:30pm
Athens Church – 10 Huntington Road, Athens 30606

This year we are asking every leader that is coming to The Mix to participate in a prayer gathering prior to The Mix. The primary purpose of this gathering is simply to pray for (over) these leaders who will be spending prolonged time with the students at The Mix, and to pray for The Mix. So, please join us from wherever you are and pray for these vital warriors who will be in the trenches with the students during the weekend. Pray that God would prepare their hearts and bodies to be poured out for Him throughout the weekend.

Student Pastors Briefing and Prayer Gathering
Wednesday, February 21 / noon
Thursday, February 22 / 6pm
Athens Church – 10 Huntington Road, Athens 30606

Every group that is coming will be picking up their packages and getting last minute details for The Mix at these gatherings. And of course, we will be taking time at these meetings to pray together for The Mix.

The Mix Onsite Prayer Watch
Friday, February 23 noon to Saturday midnight
Athens Church – 10 Huntington Road, Athens 30606

We will be having onsite, non-stop worship/prayer going simultaneously during The Mix this year. Each church involved is asked to facilitate a ONE HOUR slot. Parents and folks from that church are encouraged to come and pray for their kids, as well as for The Mix in general. Our desire is that every single student attending The Mix will be prayed for by name! The prayer room is open for anybody from any church to come and pray at any time during the 36 hours of The Mix Prayer Watch, even if the slot is being led by a different church.

The Mix Offsite Prayer Watch
Friday, February 23 noon to Saturday midnight
ANYWHERE in the world!!!

For those who are unable to make it onsite to pray with the teams coming from various churches during the 36 hours of The Mix, there will be an offsite watch… meaning you can join us whether you are homebound in Athens, or live in California or even in Australia. In fact, you can participate from anywhere in the world! To sign up for a ONE HOUR slot, go to www.slottr.com/sheets/9598199 and simply follow the instructions to get you going. Sign-ups open on Friday February 9 at noon (ET). We will send out a confirmation email as well as a prayer guide.

Unity Prayer
Sunday, February 25 / 9:15 to 10:30pm
Classic City Church Ministry Center – 386 N. Milledge Avenue, Athens 30601

This is a monthly gathering of college students (only) lead by college students from across the campus ministries and various local churches coming together to pray. Please join them in praying for revival & awakening on the UGA campus.

Ongoing and inspirational…

Athens Daily Prayer Texts
Ongoing
All across Athens area

These Daily Prayer Texts are short messages sent to your cell phone every morning at 8am. Each text includes a brief bible verse and a focus for praying. To sign up all you need to do is text @athenspray to 81010 and you’ll start getting these inspirational, prayer focusing texts right away.

Campus Ministers Prayer
Mondays, February 5, 12, 19 & 26 / 1:30 to 2:45pm
Near UGA 

Each Monday the directors of the various campus ministries at UGA meet up to pray and share life together. This gathering is vital in building unity and spiritual momentum on campus. Please pray for these leaders as they connect with one another and in humility journey together to reach UGA with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray that each of these key leaders would grow in intensity with passion, devotion, wisdom and grace! Please be praying that God would give us the grace to apply the book we are reading together (Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill) in our lives and ministries. And pray that God would prepare each of us so that we are ready as He releases a new wave of His Spirit across the campus!

Encounter Gatherings
Starting back up February 1…
Thursdays / 6:30 to 8pm
Cornerstone (Athens Prayer Center) – 4680 Lexington Road, Athens 30605

These weekly gatherings are open to everyone who wants to meet with God and grow in their faith. The focus will be on Revival & Spiritual Awakening. These gatherings include some amazing teaching, deep worship and lots of prayer! Everyone from across the city is invited join in if you are able! Also, starting in February will be a six-week class on training for Deliverance. This will run from 5:30 to 6:30pm every Thursday night before the encounter gatherings. No sign ups required, just show up on February 1.

Coming up…

Pastors Racial Reconciliation Gathering
Thursday, March 29 / 10am to noon
Hill Chapel Baptist Church – 1692 W Hancock Avenue, Athens 30606

Over the past 18 months the senior pastors have been coming together, black and white, to discuss and pray into the racial issues we are facing in our city and across our nation. Up to now we have been doing this every three months for half days (4 hours). In March, we are tweaking this into greater frequency (every two months) but shorter in length (2 hours instead of 4). Lunch is no longer a scheduled part of the gathering, though pastors are invited to go out for lunch after our meeting. Continue to pray that God would tear down every wall that divides races in our city AND establish trust and love among His leaders and churches in Athens. This group has become a safe place to share honestly and pray deeply. For you non-senior pastors, please mark your calendar to be in prayer for this while we are meeting!

For more (and up to date) stuff…

Some of the above activities may change, and there are other prayer opportunities that come up in addition to things happening that were not listed above… you can get the latest happenings at www.facebook.com/groups/1423907481169281/

Bless you heaps!!!
Steve

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)

Here’s a question… if God answered all your prayers from this past year, would the world be changed or just your world? Too often our prayers are either so focused on our personal world, or simply so anemic that God’s answers really don’t change the world around us. He wants to do awesome things, we just need to ask. So, ask the Lord to expand your prayer depth this coming year. Make it a priority to always be asking for things that will impact the world, not just your world. Pray daily for revival in the Church and spiritual awakening in our city, and in our nation. Pray daily for at least six of your friends who have not yet surrendered to Jesus. Ask God to do audacious things in 2018, things that only He can do. He wants to do exceedingly abundantly beyond what you can ask or imagine, so dream and ask big every day this new year. If you do, twelve months from now the world will be different because you prayed!

Here are some opportunities to pray big with others this month. May you go from strength to strength this year in prayer!!!

Note… There will be no separate (Groups, Kid’s, Students, Worship, or Executive) Pastors Prayer in January. All the pastors’ groups will be meeting together for the Pastors Prayer Summit (see below for more details).

All Campus Prayer
Thursday, January 4, 2018 / 7 to 8pm
Memorial Hall – UGA Campus

We are kicking off the school year by gathering together with other students from the various campus ministries and local churches to pray on the very first day back in class at UGA!!! As we are anticipating God doing amazing things in 2018, we want to start it off with one hour for worship and unified prayer for revival on the UGA campus! Please mark your calendar, and PASS THE WORD! Starts sharp at 7pm!!!

Pastors Prayer Summit
Wednesday, January 10 / 9 to 10:30am
Athens Church – 10 Huntington Road, Athens 30606

All the normal pastoral groups that usually meet up to pray separately each month will all be converging at the same time and place as we kick the year off. Even if you have not yet joined in or there isn’t an exact pastoral grouping for you, please join us as we come together as the pastors of Athens to worship, dedicate ourselves to the Lord and pray together for revival in Athens! For all you non-pastors, please take this opportunity to pray for your pastor as well as all the other pastors from around Athens. This is an all pastors’ prayer gathering and it’s going to be quite awesome!!!

Prayer Walking at UGA
Saturday, January 13 / 10am to just before noon
UGA Arch – Corner of Broad Street and College Ave

Rain or shine, heat or cold (and it will probably be a bit chilly), we hit the ground praying. We meet up at the UGA Arch and go from there. This is a monthly opportunity (usually the second Saturday) to join in with other prayer warriors from across our city to focus prayer on the campus and our city. These are always pretty amazing and unique times of prayer!!! You are most welcome to join us as we walk, talk and pray for revival at UGA, across Athens, and beyond.

Prayer for the Middle East
Wednesday, January 17 / noon to 1pm
Living Hope (House of Prayer) – 2150 Lexington Road, Athens 30605

This is the monthly gathering of focused prayer for the Middle East and Israel. There are usually updates from the Middle East, which lead to some very specific praying. Everyone is welcome to join in as we pray for Israel and the conflict in the Middle East. Please pray for the Kingdom of God to advance in Israel and across the Middle East!

New Year New Heart
Saturday, January 20 / 9am to 5:30pm
Cornerstone – 4680 Lexington Road, Athens 30605

A fantastic prayer seminar put on by Athens College of Ministry. Cost for this all-day seminar is $30 with lunch included! For more info… http://www.acmin.org/New-Year-New-Heart

Campus Prayer
Friday, January 26 / 8 to 9am
UGA Tate Center – Room 480

This new ministry provides a context for students and others (i.e. faculty) from across UGA and various churches in Athens to come together on campus to pray for and with one another, and for revival on the campus. At this point, Campus Prayer is a monthly gathering, on the last Friday from 8 to 9am. Please pass the word to all UGA students you know, and continue to pray for greater unity on the campus and ultimately revival across the campus and beyond.

Citywide Prayer Leaders Gathering
Friday, January 26 / 9:30 to 11am
Cornerstone (Athens Prayer Center) – 4680 Lexington Road, Athens 30605

This is our monthly gathering (usually on the last Friday of the month) for those who lead (or facilitate) prayer ministries in Athens. These are quite amazing times providing an awesome opportunity to connect, hear what God is saying to each other and to pray together. Please pray for these strategic citywide prayer leaders (especially the ones you know), asking God to take them deeper and deeper in their own walk with Jesus and that out of this intimate place, lead their prayer ministries forward into the coming harvest! Pray that God would continue to raise up more prayer leaders in our city!

Ongoing and inspirational…

Athens Daily Prayer Texts
Ongoing
All across Athens area

These Daily Prayer Texts are short messages sent to your cell phone every morning at 8am. Each text includes a brief bible verse and a focus for praying. To sign up all you need to do is text @athenspray to 81010 and you’ll start getting these inspirational, prayer focusing texts right away.

Campus Ministers Prayer
Mondays, January 8, 22 & 29 / 1:30 to 2:45pm
Near UGA 

This weekly gathering for the directors of the various campus ministries at UGA is vital in building unity and spiritual momentum on campus. Pray for these leaders as they connect with one another and in humility journey together to reach UGA with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray that each of these key leaders would grow in intensity with passion, devotion, wisdom and grace! This semester we will be working through Leonard Ravenhill’s book, Why Revival Tarries, so please be praying that God would give us the grace to apply it in our lives and ministries. Pray that we would be ready to catch the new wave of the Spirit that is coming!

Encounter Gatherings
Starting back up February 1…
Thursdays / 6:30 to 8pm
Cornerstone (Athens Prayer Center) – 4680 Lexington Road, Athens 30605

These weekly gatherings are open to everyone who wants to meet with God and grow in their faith. The focus will be on Revival & Spiritual Awakening. These gatherings include some amazing teaching, deep worship and lots of prayer! Everyone from across the city is invited join in if you are able! Also, starting in February will be a six-week class on training for Deliverance. This will run from 5:30 to 6:30pm every Thursday night before the encounter gatherings. No sign ups required, just show up on February 1.

Coming up…

Pastors Racial Reconciliation Gathering
Thursday, February 1 / 9am to 1pm
Hill Chapel Baptist Church – 1692 W Hancock Avenue, Athens 30606

This will be the continuation of our prayer and discussions into racial issues in Athens. This past year God has developed this as a safe context to share deep things and pray together into this important area. In 2018, we are hoping to put some flesh on it and begin to see it worked out in our congregations and community. Senior pastors please mark your calendar to be a part of this strategic gathering. Lunch (the breaking bread together) is included and is an important part of the day. For you non-senior pastors, please mark your calendar to be in prayer for this while we are meeting!

The Mix 2018
Friday – Sunday, February 23 to 25, 2018
Athens Church – 10 Huntington Road, Athens 30606

Pre-Mix Prayer Gatherings

This year we will be asking every leader coming to The Mix to participate in a prayer gathering prior to The Mix, with the primary purpose of praying for (over) them and for The Mix. So, whether you’re going to be a leader at The Mix, a parent, or just want to pray for The Mix, please join us at one of these Pre-Mix Prayer Gatherings, the dates, times and locations will be posted soon!

The Mix Prayer Watch

We will be having onsite, non-stop worship/prayer going simultaneously during The Mix this year. More details coming out early in January. Each church involved is asked to facilitate a one hour slot. Parents and folks from that church are encouraged to come and pray for their kids, as well as for The Mix in general. If you are interested in facilitating a slot, please let me know and I’ll be getting in touch with you sometime early in the year.

For more (and up to date) stuff…
Some of the above activities may change, and there are other prayer opportunities that come up in addition to things happening that were not listed above… you can get the latest happenings at www.facebook.com/groups/1423907481169281/

Bless you heaps!!!
Steve