K. P.'s Prayer Meeting Experience

At our prayer meeting last Sunday evening, one of our elders, Lou Perez, shared the following account in the life of K. P. Yohannan, the well-known Indian evangelist. Some of you might have heard him preach at a nearby church several weeks ago, as he was ministering in the Boston area. Anyway, I thought this account was worth reprinting for the sake of those who haven't already read it. In fact, even if you have already read it, it's worth reading again!

East Indian evangelist K. P. Yohannan says he will never forget one of his first prayer meetings in an American church. He had come to the United States eager to meet some of its spiritual giants and leaders. One man in particular held his interest, a preacher known even in India for his powerful sermons and uncompromising commitment to the truth.

More than 3,000 people attended services on the Sunday Yohannan visited his church. The choirs were outstanding and the preacher was everything he'd hoped it would be. But he was especially taken by the announcement the pastor made about the midweek prayer meeting. He said there were some things lying heavy on his heart -- would the people come and pray about them? Then he announced the name of a certain chapel on the church campus. Excited, Yohannan determined he would attend.

When he arrived later that week, he brought with him some definite assumptions. The most basic was that prayer meetings are essential, of primary importance. In India, and in many other parts of the world where Christians are persecuted, the prayer meeting is the centerpiece of the church's life. Everyone comes, the meetings often last long into the night, and it is not unusual for believers to arise daily before sunup to pray together for the work of the church.

Fearing a huge crowd, he came early to get a seat. But when he arrived he was surprised to discover a chapel with a capacity for only 500 -- that was empty! A few people came in, but there was no leader, no songs or worship, just chit chat about news, weather, and sports.

Forty-five minutes later an elderly man, the leader, but not the pastor, walked into the chapel to offer a few devotional thoughts from the Bible and to give a brief prayer. The meeting was over, and as the seven attendees filed out of the chapel, Yohannan sat in stunned silence, his mind filled with questions: Was this it? Weren't they going to stay and wait upon God? Where was the worship? The tears? The cries for guidance and direction? Where was the list of the sick, and the poor, and those in need? What about that burden the pastor said was heavy on his heart? Weren't we going to intercede for a miracle? And where was the pastor?

I think if K. P. were to attend my church, he'd be both disappointed and delighted. He would be disappointed over how few attend our corporate prayer gatherings, yet he would be delighted to pray with those who do. I know how my own spirit gets a much-need boost as I enter into God's presence with His people through prayer. There's a dynamic to it that is different than my private prayers. I am built up in the Lord as I hear others pray and as they affirm my own prayers. Corporate prayer isn't just about God and me. It's about God and me and my brothers and sisters in Christ.

When you really think about it, K. P.'s or anyone else's opinion matters little in comparison to what our Savior thinks. As we are gathered together, He is right there in the midst of us. I wonder what impression He has of our prayer meetings. My guess is that Jesus, too, is filled with both disappointment and delight. He is disappointed that more of His people do not pray. He thinks of all the blessings that they could have from His gracious hand, yet they have not because they ask not (James 4:2). On the other hand, I believe that Jesus is delighted to commune with those who do show up, who pour out their hearts in praise and supplication to the One they love and know they need.

In light of what's been said on this subject, what's your opinion?