Operation Global Rain: Ten Days of Prayer

"If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray... then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin." 2 Chronicles 7:14

'Tis the time of the year again, when Seventh-day Adventists and friends from all over the globe gather together for seasons of powerful united prayers to pray for rain! For the outpouring of the Holy Spirit which will significantly change lives!

In accordance to the General Conference theme Revival, Reformation, and Beyond, "Operation Global Rain" is a world-wide initiative wherein church congregations, small groups,or even individuals are encouraged to set aside an hour each day for meditative prayer.

“A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest 

and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should 

be our first work. There must be earnest effort to 

obtain the blessing of the Lord, not because God is not 

willing to bestow His blessing upon us, but because we 

are unprepared to receive it. . . . [It] is our work, by 

confession, humiliation, repentance, and earnest prayer 

to fulfill the conditions upon which God has promised 

to grant us His blessing. A revival need be expected 

only in answer to prayer.” Selected Messages, bk. 1, p121

This year (2013), it is set to run within the week January 9-19.  Based on my personal experience, Operation Global Rain is best celebrated when you pray in small groups through a prayer process called United Prayer.

In a nutshell, United Prayer as the term implies is praying unitedly as small groups (ideally of 4-5 individuals) -- praying bullet prayers, following the ACST pattern:

A stands for Adoration. The Psalm says we must "Enter His gates with thanksgiving." Thus, it is just proper to begin our prayer with praises to the Lord. Praise Him for His goodness, greatness, love, etc...

C stands for Confession. Humility must reign in our hearts before anything else. And so here, we ask God for forgiveness of our sins. It is suggested that as much as we are bold in asking supplications, we also have to be bold in asking forgiveness in such a way that we mention specific personal shortcomings rather than general ones.

S stands for Supplication. This time, we ask God our needs, our requests as well as the needs and requests of others. The Bible says “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” 1 John 5:14, 15

T for Thanksgiving. Notice here that we deviated from the more commonly known 'ACTS" order of prayer, but instead put thanksgiving into the last part. I personally believe it is best to end the prayer in grateful reflection of God's amazing goodness.

My first experience of United Prayer was in 2010 when it was first launched here in AUP. During that time, AUP workers had a separate revival meeting at Finster Chapel with the well-known evangelist David Asscherick as speaker.  At the end of each meeting, AUP workers form small groups (randomly) for a United Prayer.  During the first meeting, everyone in my small group did not understand the instructions -- we practically just went with the flow, and took turns in saying one-liner prayers. But I still appreciated it because the ambiance was very touching and moving.  The sound of us singing softly together before each segment was so melodious -- I felt angels were singing with us! On the succeeding meetings, I began to better understand the process, and appreciate United Prayer even more.  I realized that it is better to have it done spontaneously -- to pray as the Holy Spirit leads you.  I was amazed at how some individuals can be so honest and bold about their confessions, petitions, and supplications! During the course of the week, I was randomly grouped with administrators, professors, staff members (which includes plumbers, drivers, farmers, technicians) most of whom were mere acquaintances.  It was heartwarming to listen to their prayers, that I have learned to appreciate their personality! Their prayers had become my prayer.  It's amazing when people of different status, from all walks of life gather and unite together in prayer! Powerful prayer, indeed!

Since then, United Prayer has become my favorite activity.  Even after the course of the Ten Days Prayer, my friends (co-teachers) and I would still find the time to do a united prayer -- sometimes for important petitions, but oftentimes for no particular reason but just to culminate a meaningful sharing or conversation.

United Prayer has changed me, moved me, and inspired me.  It has given me opportunity to intercede for someone.  It has added flavor to my prayer life.  It has ignited my spirit to always believe in the power of prayer, and to deepen my commitment to the One I pray to.

May we all get involved in this season of prayer!

For more information, resources, and materials about the Operation Global Rain, here's the link: http://www.tendaysofprayer.org/

“A chain of earnest, praying believers should encircle
the world. Let all pray in humility. . . . Let those who
cannot leave home gather in their children, and unite
in learning to pray together. . . . In response to the
prayers of God’s people, angels are sent with heavenly
blessings.” Reflecting Christ, p. 121

Important Info:  At the end of that revival meeting in 2010... I met my husband. I do not remember mentioning a prayer about a life-partner during those seasons of prayer, but that's the wonder of it all! The Lord listens deeply and intently to prayers even our lips cannot utter.