Exercising the privilege and power of prayer in an instant connection with God remains our highest privilege and honor as humans. Whether its like Noah’s search in the face of God for grace, Abram’s scan of the starry night searching for an heir, Jacob’s dream of angels ascending and descending the ladder to heaven or wrestling with a powerful being until daybreak, we can probably relate to intimate times with God. Perhaps like Ruth seeking a Redeemer, or Esther seeking the favor of the King, or Rahab’s concern for the Salvation of her family, or Mary’s quiet “May it be as you say, Lord,” we can relate to people seeking answers from beyond this reality from a God who holds us in His care.
Dakotans Pray began in May 2020 as several people across the Dakotas gathered for National Day of Prayer. This fellowship that now meets the first Thursday of every month continues to grow across the Dakotas and the country. Dakota Conference Prayer Ministries actively partners with Adventist churches like Fargo, with Pastor Darrel Lindensmith presenting opportunity for fellowship from anywhere via internet connection.
Let’s consider the power of prayer, and the power of fellowship in united prayer. “The divorce rate among couples who go to church together regularly is 1 out of 2 – the same as among unbelievers. But the divorce rate among couples who pray together daily is 1 out of 1,153.”[1] Incredible! Prayer is power.
Fellowship and collectively petitioning God together in prayer not only brings us closer to God but brings unity among us. It makes us woven together like a fabric or braided together as a rope.
Here’s what participants have said:
“The need for prayer is so great, and the battle against it is so great,” said Pastor David Moench.
“I think we should pray for our young people every time we get together,” said Karen Lindensmith.
“I’ve appreciated getting on here (DP) because it’s kind of like a mini camp meeting feel,” said Pastor Darrel Lindensmith. “I like to see people from different churches.”
“For me prayer offers comfort,” said Mary who connects from Rhode Island. “It’s an outlet I always seek and look forward to. I love going to church and the fellowship, so thank you for this platform because it has been a comfort for me.”
“Prayer works,” said Zuri, a Texas based over-the-road truck driver and father of five. “The prayer of the just amounts to a lot. Last time I checked a couple of weeks ago, we had prayed for more fellowship from other brothers and sisters, and within two weeks we have seen an increase in attendance in this meeting. I love this brotherhood. I thank God for it.”
“Ever since I’ve heard about the small group idea, I’ve always kind of wanted to be part of a small group,” says Scott Hanson, Bottineau. “Through the magic of Zoom technology, this is kind of like a small group here. The fellowship and the chance to pray together is really good, especially since I am part of a distanced district.”
“It’s been a pleasure and honor to be on this prayer group, and I think I’m going to try and encourage more people from our church to hop on and take a part in it,” said Janice from Bismarck.
“You know, we have to pray without ceasing especially in this time we are living in, and yes it’s a small group, but more prayer, more power,” said Natasia, a new resident of the Fargo-Moorhead community.
Dakotans Pray recently set a goal to increase average attendance over the next year from seven to 15.
Dakota Prayer Ministries is working on a prayer emphasis calendar to be published on the Dakota Conference website Prayer Ministries page. This page will offer the opportunity to submit a prayer request and pray for the items submitted, connect with Prayer Ministries leaders and resources for the local church, and connect with others across the Dakotas in prayer. An in-person Dakota Prayer Conference is also being planned for the near future.
[1] Sacks, Cheryl, The Prayer Saturated Church, Nav Press 2007, Colorado Springs, CO, p 150 para 1; 1993 Gallop Pole source
