The thrust of this part of our web guide is on prayer within the Pentecostal movement.
Pentecostalism is a Protestant Charismatic Christian movement that emphasizes the direct personal experience of God through baptism with the Holy Spirit. The term is derived from the event of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles and followers of Jesus, as related in Acts 2:1-3. Pentecostals adhere to the inerrancy of the Bible and believe in the New Birth represented in repentance and the acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
While the term "Pentecostal prayer" could refer to a prayer that is offered on the day of Pentecost, this category will be focusing on prayers within the various denominations in the Pentecostal movement.
Pentecostals are known for lively worship services, in which they often raise their hands, pray aloud, and sometimes even run through the aisles during church services. Significantly, Pentecostals believe in the baptism in the Holy Spirit, which empowers Christians to live a Spirit-filled life. This includes the demonstration of spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues and divine healing.
Pentecostals pray for healing, believing it to be part of the Atonement. To that end, they anoint and lay hands on the sick, sometimes in lieu of the use of medicine. Pentecostal congregations come together to pray for healing, following the framework provided in James 5:13-16.
Although prayer is an important part of all Christian congregations, there are differences in emphasis and form. For example, while both Pentecostals and Baptists pray, Pentecostals emphasize direct experience with God through the Holy Spirit in prayer, while Baptists tend to have a more reserved approach. In prayer and in worship, Pentecostals actively seek spiritual gifts, including healing, while Baptists may focus more on traditional prayer without emphasizing miraculous manifestations. Baptists also believe in the power of prayer and will turn to God in prayer for healing, but unlike Pentecostals, they are less likely to expect it immediately and miraculously. Pentecostals expect and pray for miracles, while Baptists tend to view them as less common.
In summary, Pentecostal prayer is characterized by its emotional intensity, emphasis on spiritual gifts, and belief in divine healing. All Christians pray, but Pentecostals bring a unique fervor to their communion with God.
Recommended Resources
Each year, the Pentecostal Church of God hosts a 21-day prayer journey, which joins a global movement of fasting, praying, and reading the story of the Early Church. Promotional resources include a series of downloadable graphics suitable for social media feeds and stories that can be used to promote the 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, alternative resources for pastors and small group leaders, and a downloadable devotional guide in PDF format. Previous prayer guides are included.
https://www.pcg.org/events/21days
Affiliated with the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ, a Oneness Pentecostal organization with a global mission and vision, the website serves as a platform for building a strong foundation of prayer within the ALJC organization and the Apostolic movement. The site emphasizes the power and effectiveness of prayer, particularly during desperate times in communities, the nation, and the world. Prayer guides for adults and students are featured on the site.
https://prayer.aljc.org/
ANOP is the national prayer ministry of the United Pentecostal Church of Australia. Its purpose is to advance the Kingdom of God by propagating the power of prayer and facilitating strategic prayer-focused events and resources that will engage and impact prayer lives locally and nationally. The organization hosts a National Week of Prayer in early March. Its schedules, informational videos, and national prayer focus are set forth, along with a prayer guide, devotional, and informational blog.
https://www.anoprayer.org/
Open every day of the week, the Prayer Tower is at the corner of Azusa Street and San Pedro Street in Los Angeles, California. With 4,000 square feet of space, the facility is intended to be a global prayer center for all cultures, all generations, and all people praying for a third Global Pentecostal Revival. Twenty-four-hour prayer is available on Zoom. The Zoom ID and password are noted, along with funding information, its strategic vision, and a schedule of events.
https://www.azusastreetprayertower.com/
Pentecostal House of Prayer for All People, Inc.
Founded in 1934, the congregation and prayer ministry is based in Brooklyn, New York. Its address, a map showing its location, the order of services, and contacts are published on the site, which includes a schedule of programs and services, a calendar of events, an introduction to the pastor and staff, a gallery of photographs, and a contact form that can be used for prayer requests or inquiries. A profile and history of the church is included, and contributions may be made online.
http://php1926.com/
The Pentecostal Publishing House, located in Weldon Spring, Missouri, this section of the site's online product catalog features thirty-four books, at this time on the subject of prayer and a general focus on Pentecostalism. Common authors include Ken Gurley, Joy L. Haney, Kim Haney, and others. Photos, excerpts, descriptions, and prices are listed for each, and purchases may be made from the website. Its publishing policies and shipping options are included.
https://pentecostalpublishing.com/collections/prayer-books
Presented by the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI), the WNOP serves as a dynamic prayer community to promote and engage people in fervent prayer, providing effective prayer support for UPCI leaders, constituents, and others worldwide and as a resource center for distributing and receiving prayer agendas and needs. Prayer requests may be submitted to the site, and submitted prayers may be viewed, involving individuals and churches in the prayer ministry.
https://www.worldnetworkofprayer.com/
