Originally published in The Christian Post
Christian leaders from across the country will unite in prayer next week at The Gathering, an ecumenical solemn assembly to ask God for forgiveness and seek His wisdom for spiritual transform in the nation.
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The Gathering is expected to draw thousands of believers together and will feature nationally-renowned Christian leaders and pastors from diverse churches and denominations who will be leading people in prayer for their families, churches and the country. The event will be open to the public at 7 pm on September 21 at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas.
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Speakers at The Gathering will including the event’s main organizer, Pastor Tony Evans of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Pastors Greg Laurie and Ronnie Floyd, along with James Robison, Bishop Harry Jackson, Anne Graham Lotz, and the Rev Samuel Rodriguez, among many others who can be seen here.
Rodriguez, who serves as president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, said in an interview with The Christian Post on Wednesday that he’s participating in The Gathering because he believes, as a nation, “We stand at the precipice of losing our religious liberties via the conduit of judicial activism and legislative initiatives that view our Judeo-Christian values system as a threat to advancing a morally relativistic worldview.
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“Complacency is captivity, we must pray, preach and vote,” he added.
The solemn assembly, according to The Gathering website, will focus on praying for four areas of change in Americans’ lives: personal, families, communities and the nation.
“Whenever a solemn assembly or sacred gathering has been called in Scripture, it has usually been called by those in leadership — whether that be a priest, prophet or king — and it has usually been called for leadership first,” the site adds.
“Even in America, our historical records verify that prior to every national awakening, the spiritual leadership of the day has placed a heavy emphasis on gathering in smaller groups for fasting and prayer which then led to larger gatherings and greater change.”
Among the scriptures cited by The Gathering is: If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land — 2 Chronicles 7:14.
The Rt Rev Ray R Sutton, dean of the Province and Ecumenical Affairs of the Anglican Church in North America, will also be among those offering their prayers at the event.
“My involvement is tied to my relationship with Dr Tony Evans, who was a classmate of mine in seminary, and who has been a good friend over the years. We both labor in ministry in the Dallas area together,” Sutton said.
“We have shared common concerns that the Great Commission needs not only to make converts, but disciples by ‘teaching them all that Jesus commanded.’ This means reaching families, and not just individuals. This also means being a witness in the culture.”
When Sutton was asked by CP what he wants attendees and those watching online to take from the event, Sutton said he hopes they will be inspired to evangelize.
“I hope the Christians who watch and participate will be called to the fullness of the disciple-making commitment of the Great Commission,” he said.
Other noteworthy guest speakers who will be at The Gathering include Southern Evangelical Seminary President Dr. Richard Land, Pastor Max Lucado, National Association of Evangelicals President Leith Anderson and the Benham Brothers.
The Gathering will be free of political agendas and merchandise, according to the event’s FAQ page. No offering will be received. No books will be sold.
