Imagine a city gripped by financial panic. Banks are failing and unemployment is rampant. This was New York City in 1857. Yet, from this despair emerged The House of Prayer.
Not this specific building mind you, but the spirit that built The House of Prayer. Let me tell you about its origins.
Jeremiah Lamphier, a missionary in lower Manhattan, sought to revive his dwindling church. His visitation program failed. He then rented a hall on Fulton Street and advertised prayer meetings.
On September 23, 1857, only six people showed up. Lamphier persisted. Two days later, the Bank of Philadelphia failed. Soon people began meeting daily. After the stock market crashed on October 10th, attendance exploded.
Within six months, 10,000 people gathered daily for prayer in New York City alone. This movement spread across the nation and the world. People gathered in Scotland, England, Wales, Australia, and more.
In 1858, the New York Herald and the New York Tribune covered the prayer revival. The media played a vital role in spreading the word. Lay people led these informal meetings. Anyone could pray speak, lead a song, or give testimony. A five-minute limit was placed on each speaker.
This small prayer meeting led to the Third Great Awakening. It was the first revival to begin in America with a worldwide impact. All classes became interested in salvation. Backsliders returned and conversions increased. Christians sought deeper spiritual truths.
Families established daily devotions. Entire communities underwent a noticeable change in morals. Preaching focused on the gospel of Christ and His cross.
This prayer revival wasn’t unique to one denomination. It crossed all boundaries. It united people in a common cause. The House of Prayer is rooted in this history. It stands as a testament to the power of prayer.
It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, faith can bring light. Think about Jeremiah Lamphier’s small gathering. Consider the impact it had on the world. Let that inspire you as you reflect on The House of Prayer.