Presidential Prayer Team Grows
By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent
ASSIST News Service
ORO VALLEY, ARIZONA (ANS) — Launched just two weeks ago, the Presidential Prayer Team is experiencing phenomenal response from around the world in the wake of terrorist attacks on the United States almost a month ago.
“Originally planned for starting in November, the need for this grass-roots prayer effort was accelerated by the terrorist attacks on September 11,” said Sally Barton, Director of Communications for the project.
“Today, 100,000 Americans have already registered to pray daily for the President, his Cabinet and the Nation. That number is now rising by over 2,000 new members per hour. Now 17 days into this effort 215, 989 people have become team members,” said Barton.
This prayer project was initiated by two men, William (Bill) Hunter and Dr. Cornell Haan, said Barton. “These men felt an urgency, nearly one year ago, to encourage the nation to be in prayer daily for the President.”
The project is an independent, non-profit organization and is supported by a private foundation, she said. “The goal of The Presidential Prayer Team is to encourage one percent of the nation, or 2.8 million people, to pray daily for the President, this administration and future administrations.”
According to Barton, Mission America and The Lighthouse Movement have lent their support to this effort. The Honorary Committee includes Henry Blackaby, Paul Cedar, Bill McCartney and Joni Eareckson Tada.
“We have currently heard from Americans living in 17 countries including Canada, Korea, South Africa, Africa, Virgin Islands, Switzerland, Mexico, Tanzania, England, Kenya, Australia, India, West Indies, New Zealand, Nederland, West Germany, and Guam. The military addresses do not reveal the person’s location. Due to this, I’m sure there are other countries represented,” Barton said.
Those who sign up to be part of the Presidential Prayer team will receive a window decal to serve as a continuous reminder to uphold the President in prayer. “Members will receive regular e-mail prayer updates on the President’s prayer needs. We believe the tragedy of September 11, 2001 has brought a renewed interest in prayer and a desire to help somehow. The Presidential Prayer Team offers a way for people to make a difference.”
Barton said she was not aware if anything like this has been done before.
The organizers of the PPT ask Christians to consider adding President Bush and his leadership team to their regular prayers.
One suggestion, from the Lighthouse Movement says:”If you sign up to be a part of the Presidential Prayer Team, share with your neighbors about your involvement and the importance of prayer. Use this as an opportunity to ask their opinion about prayer. Affirm your personal belief in prayer and then ask if you can pray for them. Be sure to pray for the needs they express and then follow up with them in the coming weeks about the prayer requests.”