24+24 Equals 100

 I know. You did the math and I got it wrong. I would agree with you if I was talking about a simple addition problem. I am not talking about math. I'm thinking of people. 12 men and 12 women equals 24. I am also thinking about 24 hours in a day. That is the number of people who committed to an ongoing 24 hour prayer vigil every day of the week and then each day of the month. They started this prayer effort August 27, 1727 in Germany. 

They prayed faithfully. They did not do it to draw attention to themselves. One man and one woman were designated to pray for an hour for the entire 24 hours. Those prayers did not last a week or even a few months. They continued this prayer focus for a solid year. They did not stop. Not all the way into the second year. Believe it or not that 100 number stands for the continuous prayer meeting among that group of believers. Obviously some of the original members died and were replaced with a fresh group of prayer warriors. Continuous prayer for 100 years. That is simply mind boggling to me. 

Today, we have trouble getting people to pray for 20-30 minutes much less an hour. Many who do that are not disciplined enough to do it consistently. I read this story about the Moravians 100 year prayer meeting this morning. I was convicted and humbled. I'm not saying I'm out to start a prayer meeting lasting for 100 years. I do not want to be devoted to prayers like that group was. 

Can you imagine what that type of focused and consistent prayer might do for churches, communities, and  the country? Fractured families could be healed. Those stuck in addiction could be set free. Peace could reign in troubled communities. Sexual abuse could be stopped. In summary, it would transform society. May we pray in our little corner of the world asking God to do something mighty among us.