Arkansas Baptists plan to come together for the eighth year in a row to seek God’s face in prayer on Monday evening and Tuesday morning, August 30-31, 2021. Dr. Sonny Tucker, executive director of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC), places a high priority on prayer in every meeting, but this is a meeting where prayer is the ONLY priority.
This time of worship through prayer has become one of the most anticipated annual events on the ABSC calendar for pastors and other ministers. It comes at the end of summer when a time of refreshing is needed before the busy fall and holiday seasons. During these few hours, phones are turned off and men who spend their time leading their congregations into worship are provided a much-needed taste of Sabbath restoration.
As the first attendees begin arriving well before the 6:30 pm start time, there is a sense of anticipation and camaraderie that is palpable. When the praise band takes the stage, conversations cease as hands are lifted in worship. The first season of prayer encourages personal reflection and confession that sets the mood for the remainder of the evening.
There is no printed agenda to allow the Holy Spirit to work as topics of prayer are introduced by a variety of Arkansas Baptist leaders. Three hours pass quickly, and hearts seem a little lighter as pray-ers spill out the doors into a muggy August night already looking forward to the next morning.
Coffee and breakfast are set out on Tuesday morning and the parking lot begins to fill as these ministers return to encounter their Heavenly Father once again in prayer. These church leaders know that this is not a time to network but an opportunity to cry out to God for revival in our churches and spiritual awakening among the lost.
This year’s Prayer Gathering for Pastors and All Ministers will be held at Indian Springs Baptist Church, 23581 I-30, Bryant, Arkansas. Turn off from the service road onto Mills Park Road to park. There will be signs and greeters to guide you through the fellowship hall into the worship center. The worship center will allow for social distancing and masks are encouraged. Please pre-register online at absc.org/prayer so seating and snacks may be prepared, then check in at the registration table upon arrival.
Register today by, clicking here.