What is the Global Day of Prayer?
The Global Day of Prayer is a world-wide celebration centered around Pentecost Sunday. The mission of this celebration is to unite the global body of Christ, to seek God for revival, intercede on behalf of our world, and collaborate for the blessing and transformation of our cultures. It is preceded by ten days of prayer (Acts 1:14); celebrated in public venues on Pentecost (Acts 2:1) and followed by "90 Days of Blessing" on communities after Pentecost (Acts 2:42).

What is the history behind the Global Day of Prayer?
In July 2000 God captured the heart of a South African Christian businessman, Graham Power, with a vision based on 2 Chron. 7:14.

The vision had three clear instructions:

In March of 2001 more than 45,000 Christians united for a Day of Repentance and Prayer at Newlands Rugby Stadium in Cape Town. It was a day of intense intercession that transformed lives and was reflected in a changing city in the months to come. Testimonies of transformation caused the vision to be spread into the rest of South Africa and planning immediately started for similar prayer gatherings in 8 provinces of South Africa for 2002.

In February 2002 Graham Power had a second vision. This vision had an even bigger challenge: The whole of Africa was to gather in a Day of Repentance and Prayer, changing Africa to become a “light to the world”. Eventually, Africa was to invite all the nations of the globe to unite in this move of transformational prayer.

In May of 2002 Christians in South Africa gathered in 8 different venues for a Day of Repentance and Prayer. Again, the testimonies of church unity and the healing of communities inspired leaders to expand the vision into the rest of Africa. At a Summit in September 2002 leaders of 9 African countries agreed on the vision “Africa for Christ”.

At the same time, it was clear that different prayer streams from across the globe were flowing in the same direction with a similar vision of community transformation through prayer. God was busy raising up a church of intercession in order to prepare communities for the revelation of His glory. Across the African continent millions of Christians were inspired to participate in the process of transforming Africa. 77 South African regions and 27 African countries (66 cities) committed to a Day of Repentance and Prayer for Africa on the 1st of May 2003.

On May 2, 2004 history was made when Christians from all 56 nations of Africa participated in the first ever continental Day of Repentance and Prayer for Africa. Numerous communities, villages, towns and cities united in non-denominational prayer gatherings at different venues. In South Africa 277 communities participated. A flame of prayer was burning in Africa!

At a meeting of the International Prayer Council in Malaysia in November 2004, the invitation from Africa went out to the nations of the world to join in a five year Global Day of Prayer process up to 2010. On Pentecost Sunday, May 15, 2005, Christians from 156 of the 220 nations of the world united across denominational and cultural borders for the first Global Day of Prayer. In the months following this day, Christians were overwhelmed by the testimonies of God’s powerful work in answer to these prayers.

This move of prayer again miraculously expanded in 2006, when on Pentecost Sunday (June 4, 2006) millions of Christians from 199 of the 220 nations of the world united in prayer.

But, this is just the beginning of a process to saturate all the nations of the globe in prayer: “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Hab. 2:14). May every Pentecost until 2010 see a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit!

Is the Global Day of Prayer the same as the National Day of Prayer?
No. The National Day of Prayer and the Global Day of Prayer are two separate observances however both are projects of America’s National Prayer Committee. The NDOP observance, led by the NDOP Task Force, remains the government-sanctioned observance committed to prayer for America. The Global Day of Prayer, in cooperation with the International Prayer Council and Transformation Africa, focuses on prayer for our world. The first is a permanent observance, the second is a five-year emphasis.

What is the reason for the 10 day period before the Global Day of Prayer?
When Jesus ascended into heaven, (Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9) He instructed his disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the "promise of the Father." For ten days, these 12 men of God sought the Lord in fervent prayer. During that ten-day period of intense intercession, God increased their numbers and prepared them to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Following this Biblical example, there will be a ten day period of intercession leading up to the Global Day of Prayer, starting on May 17 (Ascension Day) and culminating on May 27. As the Lord responded to the 12 disciples, GDOP participants anticipate a powerful movement of God's hand as he responds to an army of hundreds of millions.

I support the National Day; should I participate in Global Day of Prayer?
The mission and primary purpose of the NDOP Task Force is to call our nation to prayer. The Global Day of Prayer emphasizes prayer for our world. Though they emphasize different regions, both share the same goal: to call God's people to prayer.

Prayer has always been a movement of God. It not only unites communities, it can also unite the world. This May, as Christian believers gather to seek God's face, we can anticipate the powerful blessings of His hand.

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How do I get posters, prayer guides and other resources?
Ten-Day prayer guides can be purchased to place in bulletins or hand out at National Day of Prayer events. In addition, customizable posters are available, as well as images for making signs and banners.Click here.

How can I get a Global Day of Prayer emphasis started in my community?
There a many suggested resources available to you on this website and the international site:
www.globaldayofprayer.com. You may download video files and text documents to help with presentations and organization. These are only suggestions, however useful, and you are welcome to do as you see fit. No two sites look exactly alike.

How can I help support the Global Day of Prayer?
There are 3 ways in which you can help support the Global Day of Prayer.

1. Pray that God would move mightily in the prayers of his people as we seek His leading.
2. Create a buzz about the Global Day of Prayer. Get people imagining what God might do if 500 million of His people cry out to Him on behalf of the nations of the world. Get people talking.
3. The GDOPUSA in conjunction with America's National Prayer Committee operates primarily on the gifts of God's people to be able to provide this website as well as internet and broadcast coverage of the Global Day of Prayer. Every nation and community pays its own way. We are dependent upon your help. Make a monthly commitment.