In the blog today, UniteBoston’s Communications Administrator K. Percy Ballah shares the story behind an incredible united prayer movement that is emerging in Boston in the wake of the pandemic. While there have been many prayer movements and revivals in Boston’s past, this movement is unique in its breadth and depth of participation across historic Christian divides, and it continues to gain traction with many local leaders. Read below to hear visionary Dr. Elijah Kim’s hopes for this initiative and how you can join in.

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Around this time last year, churches were closed, and parishioners were confined to worship and pray from their homes because of a global pandemic. Even though many churches stayed connected virtually, it is difficult for remote gatherings to replace the relational intimacy of a church community worshipping together in the same physical space. Furthermore, the pandemic put a damper on physical corporate prayer meetings that have always been essential in unifying the Body of Christ while navigating through dark seasons. 

Dr. Elijah Kim has emerged as a voice calling forth the need to unite in prayer at this time. As more people are regathering in public spaces and “the latches of church doors that have been so tightly closed are gradually opening for in-person worship services,” a united prayer movement is simultaneously emerging among leaders in churches, non-profits, and para-church ministries in the Greater Boston region. 

Historically, public prayer meetings were a spark that ignited powerful revivals that spread throughout New England and the world.  According to the Boston United Worship statement drafted by the key leaders of this movement, “Boston has been the home of the Puritans and an epicenter of revival and awakening. Not only was it the first area in America to train and send missionaries, but it was also the birthplace of evangelicalism. Boston is indispensable for world missions. It has spiritual and ecclesiastical importance, regionally, nationally, and globally.” 

Additionally, unlike many revivals in the past that were led predominantly by white males, this movement is fueled by a passion for uniting diverse Christian leaders. A luncheon on June 3rd was attended by twenty-four leaders representing different cultures and nationalities. According to Dr. Elijah Kim, one of the visionary leaders of this movement, there were  “Caucasians, African American, Hispanic, Brazilian, and Asian churches which united in order to spread gospel and revival fire to the US and the world.” He believes that these diverse leaders “are instruments of God to awaken the Boston Church for the expansion of God’s Kingdom,’ and their collaboration will be used by God to “unite churches, ministries, and parachurch organizations together as the body of Christ, in order to be a well functioning living system in our city and region.”

The movement continued to gain momentum through hosting a strategic vision casting meeting on July 9th with sixty-seven leaders from various locations throughout New England. This gathering was filled with the presence of God, powerful messages, and strategic planning for hosting future gatherings. Leaders who attended were blessed and inspired by their powerful experiences together. Sharlene, one of the leaders in attendance, expressed, “Thank you for the generous invitation!!! We are humbled and honored to be a part of this great awakening and vision casting! Praise God for all that he is doing in the New England area. We thank God for Open Heaven!!!!”

Dr. Elijah Kim and the leaders of this initiative will be hosting a series of larger united prayer and worship services in August at Park Street Church, Awaken The Dawn, and Lion of Judah. The larger gatherings will emphasize worship, prayer, and fasting in preparation for a massive Boston Mitzpah Prayer service at Agganis Arena at Boston University on October 30th.  Dr. Kim and the other visionary leaders of this movement believe that this united gathering is the dawn of “a new wave of revival” arising in Boston and New England. 

While the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic created hurdles for Christians to host public worship gatherings, the Holy Spirit was rekindling a fire for revival in the hearts of Dr. Kim and other leaders in the Greater Boston region. As we begin to move past this season, let’s come together towards a movement of spiritual awakening and renewal birthed in united prayer and worship.

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Dr. Kim and other church leaders in the region welcome participation across Christians of diverse backgrounds in Greater Boston. For more information about the prayer services happening on August 9, 16, and 23, click here. You can also click here to watch the Youtube video or read the meeting report from the Vision-Casting Gathering on July 9, or read the Boston United Worship statement. 

UniteBoston appreciates the diverse call to prayer and we would love to see people attend this gathering. Please help spread the word to your church community – We look forward to seeing you there!