The National Methodist Prayer Convention is held once in every four years. This year, the 4th Methodist Prayer Convention (MPC), themed “A Church after God’s Own Heart”, kicked off on 31 August at Kingwood Hotel, Sibu.
This was another historic moment as 3800 Methodists of different races from all over Malaysia gathered together to pray in one accord.
In his welcoming message, Bishop Ong Hwai Teik pointed out four reasons to have the MPC:
1. Prayer is timeless: being a royal priesthood, we are obliged to pray without ceasing. And prayer is a constant means of grace.
2. We are part of the Methodist family: owing to the fact that there is scarce connection among the members of the six Annual Conferences, the quadrennial MPC essentially serves as an opportunity for the Methodist family members to get together to stay connected and to pray in one voice.
3. To keep the fire of prayer burning: when the Methodist family members meet, we get to spur one another on, flaming the fire of prayer.
4. To stay connected in prayer: In 1727, the Moravian brethren started a 24-hour uninterrupted prayer network according to Leviticus 6:13 which states “The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.” Eleven years later, John Wesley had an encounter with them which brought about profound impact on him.
Last but not least, Bishop Ong urged that all the participants would open up their hearts to allow the Holy Spirit to stir up the fire of prayer in them as well as in their homes and churches, that we would be a blessing to our Land.
Three speakers were invited to speak on different topics. Bishop Chen Chien Chung from Taiwan Methodist Church preached on the importance of prayer in building a church after God’s heart. Rev Viv Thomas from British Anglican Church taught us how to build an intimate relationship with God and the correct use of the name of Jesus Christ. Chrisanne Chin, who is the secretary of Prayer United, took us on a journey of the church history of Malaysia where God manifested His works through prayer.
There were a lot of prayer sessions in this round of MPC; fast and pray during noon time, response in prayer after each plenary, prayer in Taize manner and a prayer room was prepared for prayer watch for 60 hours throughout the duration of the MPC.
Compiled and translated by Saffron