A Vital and Empowering Prayer Ministry

by Rosalie A. van Putten

From the beginning of the 57th General Conference Session in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, a prayer vigil was held in a room located in the North Building of the Metro Toronto Convention Center. Under the direction of Ruthie Jacobson, prayer coordinator for the North American Division, prayer was offered continuously 24 hours a day throughout the entire session.

Each day, two of the world divisions were assigned to conduct the prayer sessions. Division, union and conference presidents, and other workers, as well as laity from every point on the globe were represented in the prayer group. It was encouraging to see the amount of men and women from so many diverse cultures coming together, holding hands and petitioning the Lord for His guidance and direction concerning the sessions.

Also available in the prayer room was literature regarding prayer, including the books Communion with God—a Devotional guide for the School of Prayer which is produced by the Ministerial Association of the General Conference, and Kneeling on the Promises, written by Ruthie Jacobsen. These books, as well as other literature were an additional source of encouragement and enrichment to the prayer life of those who attended and took part in this vital and empowering prayer ministry.

Rosalie A. van Putten is a constituent of the Northeastern Conference and attends the Springfield Gardens church in Queens, New York where she serves as the education director.

Photos should be available in the package of photos.