People who go to the Garden of Prayer church think that PRAYER can change things and change you.
Our vision for the Garden of Prayer C. O. G. I. C is that it turns into the organized group of Christians that the Lord uses to carry out the Great Commission and set up ministries that meet the needs of our community.
Our Mission for the Garden of Prayer C. O. G. I. C IS TO LIFT JESUS CHRIST, LOVE AND LEAD THE COMMUNITY TO AN ABUNDANT SPIRIT FILLED LIFE.
The Garden of Prayer World’s Prayer Center in Philadelphia, PA is a fascinating place for anyone interested in prayer, spirituality, or the Christian faith. As the name suggests, this Church of God in Christ (COGIC) church has made prayer and connecting with God through prayer its central mission.
In this article we’ll take a closer look at this unique “garden of prayer” including
- Background on the Garden of Prayer church
- Its designation as a “World’s Prayer Center”
- Prayer activities and services offered
- Ways to get involved in the prayer community
- The significance and benefits of united prayer
Whether you live near Philadelphia or are just intrigued by the idea of a space dedicated to prayer, there is much to discover about this unique ministry!
Background on the Garden of Prayer COGIC Church
The Garden of Prayer World’s Prayer Center is a Church of God in Christ (COGIC) church located in North Philadelphia. COGIC is a predominantly African American Pentecostal denomination with roots dating back to the early 1900s.
The church’s lead pastor is Elder John H. Roberts, Sr. who oversees the congregation along with other leaders like Mother Susie Robinson, Deacon Archer Jones, and Evangelist Sharon Smith.
While the church has likely been around for decades, they opened and dedicated a physical space as the “World’s Prayer Center” in more recent years The vision was to create a space where people could come together specifically to pray for needs worldwide
Designation as a “World’s Prayer Center”
What exactly constitutes a “World’s Prayer Center” like the Garden of Prayer facility? Essentially, it is a space wholly dedicated to facilitating prayer for any and all needs globally.
The church serves as a hub where people can gather corporately and pray for issues across the world Of course, personal prayer requests are welcomed too. But the focus remains on broader world-wide prayer
The “center” houses a sanctuary for corporate prayer as well as facilities for prayer teams and ministries. Workshops, conferences, and training may also take place to promote strategic prayer efforts.
Prayer Activities and Services
Some of the regular prayer services and activities happening at the Garden of Prayer include:
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Noon Day Prayer: A mid-day prayer service held on Mondays and Fridays at 12pm.
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Prayer & Bible Band: This takes place biweekly on Tuesday evenings and combines prayer and Bible study.
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Hour of Power: A weekly prayer meeting help on Wednesday nights at 7pm.
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Pastoral Teaching: Following the Hour of Power, Pastor Roberts leads a teaching at 8pm on Wednesdays.
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Church Choir Practice: Choir rehearsals preparing for Sunday services.
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Special Events: Occasional conferences, seminars, and training workshops.
Visitors are welcome to take part in any of these prayer activities as they seek to grow in their faith.
Getting Involved in the Prayer Community
Are you interested in connecting with the Garden of Prayer community? Here are some ways you can get involved:
- Attend prayer services and activities when you are able
- Join the church choir/music ministry
- Volunteer to help with special events and conferences
- Participate in outreach prayer efforts in the city
- Support the church financially through tithes and donations
- Follow their social media for prayer updates
- Reach out to the pastor about serving opportunities
Whether through physical participation orremote support, there are lots of ways to join in the prayer movement happening at this church!
The Significance and Benefits of United Prayer
What drives a church like Garden of Prayer to dedicate itself fully to prayer? Some of the profound reasons united prayer is so important include:
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Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s purposes. As we pray, we shape our desires to match His.
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There is power in agreement. As believers come together in prayer, their requests take on renewed authority.
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Consistent prayer shapes us personally. Through regular prayer habits, we grow deeper in our faith.
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World change happens through prayer. Great revivals and transformational movements historically trace back to united prayer.
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It’s a biblical command. Jesus directly instructs believers to pray at all times and without ceasing.
When God’s people come together in focused prayer, incredible things result! The Garden of Prayer World’s Prayer Center offers a space to facilitate just that.
Discover This Unique Prayer Community in Philadelphia
For anyone hungering for deeper prayer and faith experiences, the Garden of Prayer COGIC church provides a welcoming space to engage in passionate prayer for our world. Through their devotion to prayer and revival, they demonstrate the power and significance of intentional, fervent prayer.
About Us
Dr. Benjamin Hayes Dabney and Mother Elizabeth Juanita Dabney were told to be useful to God while they were still able. They chose North Philadelphia as the location to begin their work. On Sunday, April 5, 1929, they moved into a building on Sharswood Street. This ministry continued to grow therefore, a larger facility was needed, thus the move to 2042 Ridge Avenue. In 1929, they moved into a building on the corner of 29th Street and Susquehanna Avenue. This building would be big enough for the number of people who would join this ministry and have enough room for other outreach ministries as well. It was here that the Lord continued to do great things through the preaching ministry of both of our founders. God honored their promise to him through their sacrifice. Many souls were saved and bodies were healed miraculously in this ministry. There were many healed people in the church, as shown by the many crutches, canes, and wheelchairs that lined the different areas. God moved mightily through our founders and many ministries were born from this very humble beginning. The Lord Called Dr. Dabney home in 1963. In 1964, Elder Stacie Herring was appointed pastor. In 1970 Bishop DeWitt A. Burton began his tenure as pastor and served for 12 years. In 1982, Elder Herman Thompson was appointed pastor by the Garden of Prayer Church of God In Christ. We lost our landmark at 29th Street to fire on October 15, 1991. Pastor Thompson had a dream of building a new building that would meet the spiritual, physical, and social needs of God’s people. In February 2001, Pastor Herman Thompson appointed Elder Gregory L. Frison as Assistant Pastor of the Garden of Prayer. Elder Herman Thompson Served the church faithfully until his demise in May 2001. On August 23, 2001, the late Bishop Benjamin J. Ravenel, Sr. Prelate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Jurisdiction, appointed Elder Gregory L. Frison pastor of the Garden of Prayer. Elder Gregory L. Frison works hard to keep the Garden of Prayer Church of God in Christ’s rich history alive without getting stuck in traditionalism. Prayer, praise, preaching, and teaching the gospel are some of the ways that he leads the church to experience the presence of the Lord. Through Back to School Revivals, Community Day, Thanksgiving Feedings, and Clothing Give-Aways, the church has become more involved in the community. The historic Garden of Prayer Church of God in Christ has grown spiritually through Prayer Revivals, Prayer at Noon, Prayer at 4 a.m., and Church Retreats.
James Cleveland Beautiful Garden of Prayer
FAQ
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