More than 70 people from over a dozen congregations attended “Opening the Heavens,” the kick-off event for the first Vancouver House of Prayer February 11. After zoning difficulties caused organizers to abandon an earlier lease at Broadway and Fraser, the Vancouver House of Prayer is now opening its doors at its new location at Bethel Pentecostal Church, at Fraser and 33rd. The House of Prayer is a citywide ministry sponsored by the Vancouver Pastor’s Prayer Fellowship, incorporating worship and intercession for the church and the harvest in Greater Vancouver, says prayer leader Sara Maynard. Maynard says that Bethel will be an interim location, allowing organizers to consolidate and become established before moving to a “full-time, dedicated building.” After issuing a citywide call to prayer in the January edition of this paper, organizers were actively seeking a new location.
Bethel pastor Len Mittelstaedt says that although the church was looking at how they could better use their space, they did not initially think it would be suitable for the House of Prayer. As part of the Vancouver Pastor’s Prayer Fellowship, he knew organizers were seeking a location that would be “neutral and unifying,” giving the message that the House of Prayer is “for all, not just certain churches,” Mittelstaedt says.
However, because of the church’s central location, House of Prayer organizers contacted the church. “Steve [Stewart] was out pounding the pavement, knocking on their door, asking ‘Is there any room in the inn?'” says Maynard.
The building provides a good fit for the House of Prayer, not only due to its central location, but also its large sanctuary and the availability of rooms for training, Maynard says.
Since its conception in May 2000, the House of Prayer has grown to more than 20 churches participating in several established meetings each week. The format is based on the ‘Harp & Bowl’ style of worship and prayer, developed at the Kansas City International House of Prayer.
Meeting times for the House of Prayer are Monday 8-10 p.m., Wed 10-12 am, Thurs 4-6 p.m., and Friday 10-12 am; at 739 East 33rd.
Additionally, there will be ‘Opening the Heavens’ equipping meetings for those interested in the House of Prayer concept the second and fourth Sunday of each month. This will be an introductory course for those interested in Harp & Bowl ministry. In the near future, city pastors will be leading workshops on worship, prophetic singing, intercession, warfare and other topics.
An internship program is also being launched in order to accommodate the growing number of people who wish to be mentored in this ministry. The internship could lead to leadership within the House of Prayer, or simply enhance the individual’s own ministry of worship or prayer to the Lord, says Maynard. It will be held the first and third Monday of each month. Please register with the House of Prayer, 436-1234.