10 Days of Prayer Northfield, 2008.

Philosophy and Core Values

Note: This is not a statement of faith but rather some of the core convictions regarding the 10 Days of Prayer Northfield that are leading to this type of radical prayer.

Devotion: The primary purpose of this time is to love on God and our Savior Jesus Christ. We do this to please Him and because we love Him.

Unity: We are committed to loving one another as Christ loved us and tasting of the Unity that Christ prays for in John 17:20-23.

Time: One of the biggest hindrances to the work of God is that God’s people do not give Him adequate time to transform them. Busy-ness is the chief enemy of the Church in America. Taking 10 days exclusively for the Lord and for serving one another is way to separate ourselves from a lifestyle of busy-ness and open ourselves up to God’s leading and re-direction.

Rhythm: God is calling His people to a radical re-allocation of their time and He is giving them a rhythm. The 10 days is not a one time event. It is an annual component of Church life that allows believers around the world to open themselves up to God’s love and empowerment for ever-increasing growth and strength. It is a part of a yearly cycle that complements our daily and weekly cycles of worship, rest and work.

Rest: This new rhythm (annual extended communal times of prayer) is in line with the Sabbath principle in the Scriptures. As we learn how to rest, we desire to come out of the 10 days of prayer feeling rested and ready for whatever God gives us to do.

Calling: This prayer meeting was not called by a human being. It was called by God and is a part of a larger call from God (the Global Day of Prayer) that is filling the earth with united, believing prayer. We enter into this time with the expectation of seeing God act and lead as we show up in obedience to His call.

Empowerment: Only the Holy Spirit can empower the Church to “live worthy of her calling.” We believe that it is important to acknowledge that with our time and actions. We acknowledge this fact by annually seeking His empowerment as the Apostles did in Acts 1.

May 1-11, 2008