The Power of the Prayer Tent

By John Sebby

When someone new walks into a church on Sunday, they have to fit into your agenda. The church's schedule of when to sit down, when to sing, to stand, to pray, and when to leave. It is all about the church's itinerary.  

When someone walks up to the Prayer Tent, it is all about them. It is all about their agenda, meeting their needs, and in their schedule. Some stay for a few minutes, others for a few hours. It is all about them and their prayer needs.  

Connecting them with the strength and peace of prayer and the hope we all have in Jesus Christ, as well as meeting them where they are and what they need. It's all about them.  

That's the power of the prayer tent.  

We set up our Prayer Tent outside next to the road with a sign saying Prayer Tent Open Today.  

Our Prayer tent is an open dining canopy, with a red top that has big white letters ‘PRAYER TENT’ on it and the side flaps hanging down with the words “MAY I PRAY FOR YOU?’ We set our tent up outside by the road next to the driveway to the church parking lot. Church members, pastors and others volunteer to pray with anyone in need of prayer.  

So far, everyone that has come has been a stranger to us, who has opened their hearts and bared their souls and burdens. They were just driving by with a heavy heart when they spot the Prayer Tent and turn in. Many who would not set foot in a church, but so troubled with worries will do a U-turn to visit the Prayer Tent. What a privilege it is to pray with them and be blessed by seeing them leave with a weight lifted off their shoulders and hope in their heart thanks to the Lord.  

We greet them with a simple "Hello, what can I pray with you for?" That is all it takes. They do not have to think about what they need prayer for. They are all too familiar with the burdens that they have been carrying around with them, some for years.  

Often God connects the perfect volunteer to those needing prayer. One came who was dealing with a child on drugs and in serious trouble with the law, the two church members volunteers there both had a child with similar problems but were on the other side of it. They could identify, empathize, and counsel her with experience, truth, and optimism. One visitor was scared for her grandchildren and did not even know where they are. The volunteer praying with her went through the same heartbreak a few years before. The volunteer did not see her grandchild for two years, but now has custody. Another one came to the Prayer Tent dealing with a spouse with Alzheimer's. The only volunteer in the tent that day was a woman going through the exact same ordeal.    

So many volunteers have been able to use their trials and suffering with those are going the same tribulation, offering real life experience, empathy, and most of all hope. This is so very comforting to them as they do not feel all alone anymore.  

I feel as I am in true ministry in the Prayer Tent. Outside along the road, meeting people face to face and heart to heart, sharing God's love and the hope of Jesus Christ that is available to all of us.  

That's the power of the prayer tent. 

Visit our website: https://mtm123.org/prayer-tent-ministry/

On facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedPrayerTent