When People Pray: Prayer Calls Us to ActionSample

Transforming Cities

In 2017, New Mexico was ranked number one in property crime, burglary and robbery, and number two in violent crime and auto theft. January of that same year marked the launch of America Prays. The Lord gave America Prays the vision to unite and equip 40,000 churches in 24/7 prayer for a national spiritual awakening.

The more the America Prays team prayed, the more the Lord expanded their vision. It was about prayer and mission, the two would be completely inseparable. 

If we as believers profess to take all that Jesus taught seriously, then we have to be focused on ‘Transforming Cities’. 

The work of the church has never been aimed at the church.

Take for instance the Greek word ekklesia, it is fairly well known that it is the word translated church. Ekklesia literally means ‘called out ones’. Notice it does not mean called IN ones. So then from its origin the church was made to go outside of itself. 

Did you know that the word Ekklesia was a word used within the Roman government? It described a group of ordinary men who would gather to listen to the Emperor/King and then they were responsible to see that his vision and rule was carried out everywhere within the kingdom.

The Holy Spirit is so smart! He inspired the writers of the New Testament to use that word ekklesia on purpose for a purpose. 

We were made to gather and listen to our King (in prayer & study) and then responsible to see that his vision and rule is carried out everywhere (the mission) within the KINGDOM. We were designed to be instruments carrying His heart so powerfully that we would constantly be about transforming cities.

As America Prays & New Mexico Prays partnered with New Mexico, they gradually began to gain momentum. They partnered with governmental officials, churches, businesses, organizations, and individuals to cover the state in 24/7 prayer. 

God was listening and their unceasing prayers were making a difference. According to the FBI database, the city of Albuquerque experienced a significant decrease in crime. 

Transforming cities is not optional, but in order to really accomplish this task, we as believers must unite.