Five Things We Will Learn
- Why sustained prayer is one of the most resisted yet powerful acts of obedience
- How faithful intercession fuels everything God desires to do in and through His people
- The role of spiritual leadership in restoring a culture of focused prayer
- How hidden seasons of prayer prepare the way for visible outpourings of God’s glory
- Why your personal faithfulness in prayer is part of a much larger move of God
The Power and Cost of Sustained Prayer
I can’t say enough about how important you are as a faithful member of the Prayer and Fasting Community (PFC). Sadly, prayer is seldom mentioned in a significant way or given sustained focus over time. Yet it remains one of the most resisted acts of obedience we will ever face as believers, because it is our direct communication with God, the Creator of all things, and with our Lord, His Son, Jesus Christ.
Those who commit to prayer, such as standing one watch each week in PFC, pay a real price. It costs time, focus, discipline, and perseverance. But your faithfulness has been remarkable. Everything we have done, are doing, and will do is fueled by one thing: prayer. Your faithfulness, along with others in PFC, sustains it all.
The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. Revelation 5:8
Faithfulness That Sustains the Mission
It is powerful to see each of you consistently lifting up the needs that come in throughout the week, as well as praying for those who have signed up for Baptize Pensacola and entrusted us with their requests.
This is not small. This is not background work. This is the foundation.
Prayer is what carries the mission forward. It is what prepares hearts, opens doors, and makes a way where there was no way.
The Foundation Laid Through Focused Prayer
Focused prayer became the groundwork the Lord established through Brother John Kilpatrick. At the risk of people walking away, he led into something many who claim to follow Christ struggle to embrace: sustained, focused prayer.
The wisdom God gave him was simple yet profound. Prayer banners were introduced, each with a specific focus. What had been a service centered on receiving ministry became a time devoted to ministering to the Lord.
For two years, people prayed this way. Moving from one focus to another, spending time intentionally, covering a wide range of needs in structured intercession. What felt like a short moment was often 90 to 120 minutes of prayer.
This was not easy. It was a step of faith.
At that time, only a handful of men were attending regular prayer gatherings. Yet the call went out to the entire church to step into something that only a few had been doing. It was a risk, but it was worth it.
Trials Before Breakthrough
During that season, Brother Kilpatrick walked through intense personal trials, physically, mentally, and emotionally. He lost his mother and faced deep challenges that led him to consider relocating.
But God was at work.
On Father’s Day 1995, something unexpected happened. God poured out His glory. Not because anyone earned it, but because He is good and He responds to prayer.
What was built in hidden prayer was revealed in public outpouring.
Keeping the Fire Burning
You are among those who have continued to keep that fire alive. Since 2009, through your faithfulness in prayer, the flame has not gone out.
That matters more than words can express.
Because of that faithfulness, God has allowed us to be part of things many would only dream about. Invitations have gone out across the Gulf Coast to the wedding banquet the Father is preparing for His Son.
Yard signs have been placed. A continuous social media campaign has been carried out. The message has gone out through television. People are being invited to come, hear the Gospel, believe, and be baptized.
And it is all being carried by prayer.
A Global Work Fueled by Prayer
We are now seeing the reach extend even further. The message is going out around the world. God has brought together a family, a team, where with Him all things are possible.
This is not theory. This is something that has been seen firsthand.
The Awakening of Prayer Once Again
Recently, at Church of His Presence, Brother John Kilpatrick has once again begun turning hearts back toward prayer. A focused time of prayer has been reintroduced, using newly created prayer banners helped to be created by Jennifer Colley, who also helped create the originals.
What once was is stirring again.
And your faithfulness is part of that.
Your Role in What God Is Doing
Your continued commitment to pray, to stand your watch, and to lead within PFC is helping awaken prayer in the hearts of God’s people.
There is a ripple forming again. The same kind that once led to a powerful move of God on the Gulf Coast.
And it is happening again.
Thank you for your faithfulness.
Brother Greg Lancaster