* Corpus JEHOVAH SOVEREIGN TRIUMPH Fellowship | CORPORATE Prayer & the GREAT 1744 Concert of Prayer Case Study
Principles of Corporate Prayer
Understanding the Basic Principles of Corporate
1. Objectives of Corporate Prayer
Edify, equip and empower God’s people to
become leaders in the prayer ministry of the local church Explore the origin of the “corporate” concept Enhance students’ knowledge and
understanding of how to pray together Encourage participation in corporate
prayer settings, and raise the level of expectation of the results when praying corporately.
2. Definition of Corporate…
Corporate: 1. of, or belonging to a corporation; pertaining to a united group; 2.united or combined into one (an association of individuals, created by law and having an existence apart from that of its members as well as distinct and inherent powers and liabilities. Any group of persons united or regarded as united in one body. Corporate prayer:
i. A group of persons united in prayer;
ii. Praying together as one in faith, confident in the power of SOVEREIGN JEHOVAH GOD’s Word as their distinct and inherent power and authority to legislate God’s laws in the earth realm.
3. Corporate Concept…
Originated with SOVEREIGN JEHOVAH GOD (Gen. 1:26-28) “Let US make man in OUR image, according to OUR likeness... Together THEY created man, with the capability of uniting (connecting, joining together), physically and spiritually. God is so into ONENESS that He created every living creature (smallest to largest) to connect/join together and reproduce its kind (Gen. 1:25).
4. Purpose of Corporate Prayer
Condition us to be subject (submissive) to the will of SOVEREIGN JEHOVAH GOD, individually and collectively (Acts 1:4-8) Empower us through the Holy Spirit to obey the Word of God; to do the work of ministry, and to boldly witness and proclaim the Word of JEHOVAH GOD Keep alert and watchful; encourage and strengthen each other; and handle opposition as one united in purpose. Scripture Reference: Acts 1:4-8; 4:23-37; Hebrews 10:19-25; Ephesians 6:18-18
5. Power of Corporate Prayer
Petitions and supplicates the SOVEREIGN JEHOVAH GOD to intervene (Exodus 3:7-9; Book of Judges; Acts 12:1-16, 16:25-26). Provoke a move of God by the Holy Spirit that results in salvation and changed lives (Acts 16:25-26). Astonish us and raise our awareness to the power of God; increase our faith and trust in God to answer when we call out to Him together (on one accord) Acts 12:11-16 Scripture Reference: Acts 1:1-8; 2:1-2
6. Pattern for Corporate Prayer
The Lord’s Model Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-4). Our approach – Attitude of adoration, reverence, praise and honour Avail ourselves in a spirit of submission to His way and will. (This requires repentance!) Acknowledge our dependence on Him to supply our needs by asking for sustaining substances (natural and spiritual needs). Approach Him in the spirit of forgiveness toward others as we petition for pardon from Him. Unforgiveness is a hindrance to answered prayer (Matt. 6:14-15). Acknowledge the Father’s sovereignty Scripture Reference: Acts 1:1-8; 2:1-2
7. Promise of Corporate Prayer
Establish and maintain godly order and conduct in the Church and in the Earth Realm. Accords Revelation and Results through the Power of Agreement as it relates to the Church and Kingdom of Heaven. Gives Assurance of the Lord’s Presence whenever and wherever His followers are gathered together in representation of Him, His Will and Purpose. Scripture reference: Matthew 18:15-20
The 1744 Concert of Prayer Revival:
Let us now relate a brief history of what happened in Scotland centuries ago.
In October of 1744, a number of ministers in Scotland, considering the state of GOD’s Church, and mankind in general, believed that SOVEREIGN JEHOVAH GOD was calling those concerned for the welfare of the Church to unite in Extraordinary Corporate Prayer. They knew SOVEREIGN JEHOVAH GOD was the Creator and source of all blessings and benefits in the Church so they earnestly prayed that He would appear in His glory, and strengthen the Church, and manifest His compassion to the world of mankind by an abundant outpouring of His Holy Spirit. They desired a true revival in all parts of Christendom, and to see nations delivered from their great and many calamities, and to bless them with the unspeakable benefits of the Kingdom of our glorious Redeemer, and to fill the whole earth with His glory.
These ministers consulted with one another on this subject and concluded that they were obliged to begin such prayer and attempt to persuade others to do the same. After seeking SOVEREIGN JEHOVAH GOD for direction, they determined that for the next two years they would set apart some time on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings every week for prayer as one’s other duties would allow. More importantly, it was decided that the first Tuesday of each quarter (beginning with the first Tuesday of November) would be time to be spent in prayer. People were to pray for either the entire day or part of the day, as they found themselves disposed, or as circumstances allowed. They would meet in either private prayer groups or in public meetings, whichever was found to be most convenient.
It was determined that none should make any promises or feel under strict obligation to observe every one of these days without fail; for these days were not holy or established by sacred authority. However, to prevent negligence, and the temptation to make excuses for trivial reasons, it was proposed that if those who resolve to pray cannot take part on the agreed upon day, they would use the next available day for the purpose of prayer.
The primary reason for this cooperation in prayer was to maintain, among the people of SOVEREIGN JEHOVAH GOD, that necessity of prayer for the coming of Christ’s Kingdom, which Christ directed his followers to do. We are, unfortunately, too little inclined to pray because of our laziness and immaturity, or because of the distraction of our own worldly, private affairs. We have prayed at times, but without special seasons for prayer, we are, likely, to neglect it either partially or totally. But when we set aside certain times for prayer, resolving to fulfil this commission unless extraordinarily hindered, we are less likely to neglect it.
The return of each new season will naturally refresh the memory and will cause us to remember these teachings of our Lord CHRIST Jesus, and the obligations we have as His followers. We will be renewed in the importance, necessity and unspeakable value of the mercy we seek from God, and by frequent renovation, the vision to pray will be kept alive in our hearts at all times. Therefore, those ministers from Scotland determined that such gatherings would help encourage greater prayerfulness among God’s people for revival throughout the year. They also believed that the quarterly gathering would encourage and strengthen people to pray, especially if they knew that many other Christians in so many distant places were praying for the same things at a same time.
It was thought that two years would be a sufficient trial period, after which time would be given to evaluate fruitfulness of the endeavour. It was not known but thought best to allow some time to make some adjustments if necessary. The time period, though short, was thought sufficient to judge its fruitfulness. Those involved would have the opportunity to communicate their thoughts, and perhaps improve, on this manner of prayer.
As for promulgating this concert of prayer, the ministers decided to simply pass the word through personal conversation, and correspondence with others far away, rather than any formal advertisement in the press. At first it was intended that some formal paper outlining the proposal should be sent around for proper amendments and improvements, and then agreement. But after more thoughtful deliberation, it was concluded that this would only give rise to objections which they thought best to avoid in the beginning.
Great success seems to have met their labours for great numbers in Scotland and England, and even some in North America joined with them. As to Scotland, many people in the four chief cities, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee joined. There were also many country towns and congregations in various other areas that participated. A Mr. Robe, of Kilsyth, stated that ‘There were then above thirty societies of young people there, newly erected, some of which consisted of upwards of thirty members.’
The two years ended last November. Just prior to this, a number of ministers in Scotland agreed on a letter, to be printed and sent abroad to their brethren, proposing to them, and requesting of them, to join with them in continuing this Concert of Prayer, and in the endeavours to promote it. Almost five hundred copies of this letter were sent over to New England, with instructions to distribute them to the Massachusetts-Bay area, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Carolina and Georgia. Most were sent to a Congregational Minister in Boston along with a letter from twelve ministers in Scotland. Other copies were sent to other ministers in Boston, and some to a minister in Connecticut.
The proposal, dated August 26, 1746, opens with an explanation of the purpose and times for the concerts of prayer, and an entreaty to the ministers to communicate their opinions after the two year period had completed.
The ministers then go on to assure their Bostonian brethren that the concerts are not to be seen as binding; men are not expected to set apart days from secular affairs, or ‘fix on any part of … precise days, whether it be convenient or not.’ Nor are they to be seen as ‘absolute promises, but as friendly, harmonious resolutions, with liberty to alter circumstances as shall be found expedient.’ Because of such liberty these prayer times cannot be judged to infringe upon those ‘religious times’ appointed by men.
The letter also asked ministers to consider composing and publishing short ‘persuasive directions’ regarding the necessity of prayer, either by particular authors or several joining together. Without such repeated reminders men are apt to become weary and begin to neglect their duty. Ministers are also asked to preach frequently on the importance and necessity of prayer for the coming of the Lord’s Kingdom, particularly near or on the quarterly times.
The Boston ministers are to understand that these prayer concerts are not restricted to any particular denomination, but is extended to all who have ‘at heart the interest of vital Christianity, and the power of godliness; and who, however differing about other things, are convinced of the importance of fervent prayer …’
It was proposed that the prayer should extend for seven more years and the ministers agreed to this. However there was concern that zeal for spreading news of the concert would wane because of the length proposed. Nevertheless, it was agreed that the first period of time (two years) was too short.
If persons who formerly agreed to this concert should discontinue it, would it not look like that fainting in prayer Scripture so ardently warned against? Would this not be particularly unsuitable given the need of public reformation?
Those ministers in Boston said of this proposal: ‘The motion seems to come from above, and to be wonderfully spreading in Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland and North America.’
