GDOP日本

WHAT IF … the body of Christ in an exceptional demonstration of unity banded together in praise and prayer? What might the Lord do through such a movement of praise and prayer? In the 1700's Jonathan Edwards wrote a little booklet with a similar theme, though with a very detailed title. The booklet was titled "A Humble Attempt to Promote Explicit Agreement and Visible Union of all God's People in Extraordinary Prayer for the Revival of Religion and the Advancement of Christ's Kingdom on Earth, pursuant to Scripture Promises and Prophecies…". Church historians point to the united, prayerful response to that call for extraordinary prayer as significant preparation for a deep and wide work of the Holy Spirit across North America and Europe. That work of the Holy Spirit is often called "The First Great Awakening".

At other times and in other places, the Lord has also guided Christians to special seasons of praise and prayer. In a widely distributed message, church historian Dr. J. Edwin Orr draws on a quote from Dr. A.T. Pierson, "There has never been a spiritual awakening in any country or locality that did not begin in united prayer." (see original article)

WHAT IF … the Lord initiated a new movement of praise and prayer in these days? Some Christians across the world would respond that such a movement of united praise and prayer has begun in various forms. Perhaps the clearest expression of such united praise and prayer is the Global Day of Prayer (GDOP), which has been held on Pentecost Sunday in 2006 and in 2007.

The roots of the GDOP actually go back a couple of years earlier. In 2004 in South Africa, a special day of praise and prayer was held. By the following year of 2005, this prayer effort expanded across the continent of Africa. Then, by 2006, global interest transformed this day of prayer into a day of praise and prayer for Christians of all nations. The GDOP organizers set forth this summarized goal as a way to seek the Lord together:

• 10 days of repentance and prayer (leading to the GDOP)
• 1 Global Day of Prayer
• 90 days of blessing (trusting the Lord for an overflow following the GDOP)
• 5 years

Where do the GDOP movement and the Lord's work in Japan connect? In 2006, a GDOP gathering occurred on the roof of a building in Tokyo. In 2007, GDOP interest and participation spread to some other parts of Japan. Those involved in the GDOP efforts in Japan in 2005 and 2006 have been encouraged by the united praise and prayer so far, and yet desire wider participation with others in the body of Christ in Japan. Lessons learned and encouragement received from these first two years in Japan could be compared to loaves and fishes, which could be multiplied in the hands of the Lord for His glory in coming years.

The GDOP simultaneously provides an opportunity for Christians in Japan to be encouraged by connecting to the wider Christian world, and for those who do not yet know Jesus to catch a glimpse of the reality of the body of Christ united in praise and prayer. So often, national believers, national Christian leadership, and missionaries serve the Kingdom of God in smaller contexts. However, the reality of God's Kingdom reaches widely across history and around the world. On these Pentecost Sunday times of praise and prayer, Christians can share in a foretaste of what the prophet Habakkuk wrote, "The earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." (Hab 2:14). Then, on a basic human level, evidences of the attraction to the wider world echo in Japan. Japanese-born and foreign-born people both enjoy identifying with wider global connections ? from Disney characters to Starbucks Coffee, and from Olympic games to Nobel prizes. Therefore, GDOP unity displays an attractive witness.

In light of all of the above, what is being proposed for Christians in Japan? A 3-year plan is being proposed. The overall organizers of the GDOP have been working from a 5-year plan. The remaining 3 years of the plan are 2008, 2009, and 2010. Like stair steps, here are possible levels of involvement in the GDOP in Japan (always subject to how the Holy Spirit leads which may move slower or quicker than this proposed timetable):

On Pentecost Sunday, May 11, 2008

(or perhaps for area youth activities on the Friday or Saturday of that weekend)

Devote special GDOP time to praise and prayer with whatever group of Christians with whom you already regularly gather. The regular groups with whom people gather may range widely ? from simply meeting with one fellow Christian, to meeting with one's regular small group, house church, youth group, college group, Sunday school class, or traditional church service. Groups may draw on any of the many resources that are available on the GDOP website www.globaldayofprayer.com. A format for such a time of prayer may be a simple as:

• some time for praise
• some time to share testimonies, and
• some time to prayer for more of the Lord's kingdom to come and will be done across the world (related to wherever a group of Christians may have a burden)

On Pentecost Sunday, May 31, 2009

Discuss uniting with at least one other group beyond the regular group of Christians with whom you already gather for the purpose of praise and prayer to partner in a GDOP time of praise and prayer. A small group could meet with at least one other small group. A house church could meet with at least one other house church. A youth group could meet with at least one other youth group. A college group could meet with at least one other college group. A church could meet with at least one other church.

On Pentecost Sunday, May 23, 2010

Explore any city or regional possibilities for uniting with wider groups of Christians in your area for praise and prayer related to the GDOP.

WHAT IF … Christians in this land progressively developed a new depth and partnership in relationships, might that love help others know we are truly Jesus' disciples? (John 13:34-35)

WHAT IF … Christians in this land displayed an unprecedented unity in this land, might others believe that the Father sent the Son? (John 17:21-23)

WHAT IF … the body of Christ in an exceptional demonstration of unity banded together in praise and prayer?

Let us find out together! (Please feel free to use, excerpt, adapt, and translate this article if it helps share this vision with the group with whom you usually gather for praise and prayer.)