Australian Salvationists Combine for Prayer Summit
By Dave Crampton
Special Correspondent for ASSIST News Service
April 26, 2001
CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA (ANS) — More than 200 Salvationist from throughout Australia gathered for a National Prayer Summit in Canberra recently. The aim of the summit was to gather representatives of the Army together to submit to God, seek his heart, and to pray, expecting transformations in the life of the nation.
The summit was held at Rydges Eagle Hawk Resort on the outskirts of the capital and was the first time in the history of the Army in Australia that the two territories have combined together for one prayer event. An inter-territorial music ensemble provided the music for worship and meditation.
As the congregation enjoyed dinner and shared in inter-territorial fellowship, Bruce Edward spoke about the need for Salvationists to influence Australian government policy, “We should speak as one voice and use prayer as an offensive weapon,” he said.
Some delegates participated in a variety of “prayer mosaic” electives. Some went on a prayer walk, while others learnt how to use visual aids and stimulants for prayer. A ‘waiting room” gave delegates the opportunity to come together in silence and listen to God.
Retired Commissioner Ian Cutmore spoke on Holy Communion, saying, “It’s the symbolism that’s important when experiencing communion with God, not the symbols themselves.”
The highlight of the weekend was a bus trip by delegates to Parliament House, where they prayed for the nation – specifically for reconciliation. It was quite a spectacular sight to see representatives from Australia’s two territories united together in prayer.
Following prayer, delegates moved to Mount Ainslie, overlooking Canberra, and continued to pray in small groups.
To conclude the prayer summit, Commissioner Doug Davis, the Territorial Commander of Australia’s southern territory, gave a “sending out” challenge, saying, “This prayer summit is a prologue to your life. You must go back to your community and be obedient to God’s calling on your life, and win your community for Jesus Christ.”