Save the date and register for the Harp and Bowl Equipping event on October 12-14, 2022, at the Community of the Cross, Black Mountain, NC.
In his letter to the Thessalonians, the apostle Paul instructs believers to pray continually.
Pray continually,
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Continually praying can be challenging, and extended periods spent in prayer and intercession can be tiring. This is where the Harp and Bowl style of worship and prayer provides a sustainable model for extended periods of prayer.
Harp and Bowl originated from the picture of worship and prayer we find in Revelation 5.
Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns, and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne.
And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.
Revelation 5:6–8
In this passage, the Harp represents sung worship, and the bowls are the prayers of the Saints.
Heavenly Worship and Prayer
Picking up on this idea of heavenly worship and prayer, Harp and Bowl as a style of prayer and worship was made popular by the International House of Prayer in Kansas City (IHOP) and Mike Bickle.
It utilizes a repeating cycle of prayer that moves from worship into prayer, intercession, and back into worship.
Such a cycle allows prayer to continue 24/7.
This cycle continues to draw people back into the Lord’s presence through worship.
This return to worshipping God brings refreshment and refocus after what can be intensive intercessory prayer.
Along with the repeating cycle of worship, prayer and back to worship, other features shape this particular style of prayer.
Those praying are encouraged to ground their prayer in God’s Word so that prayer remains focused on God’s will. Since God’s will is revealed to us through His word, praying scripture is a simple way to be assured participants are praying in accordance with God’s will. It also helps to prevent long prayers covering a multitude of topics.
Pray in Agreement
During prayer, participants are encouraged to work together in their intercession. They pray in agreement with each other and listen to each other, so their prayers build on each other.
Rather than every person simply praying what they want, individuals learn to listen to what was just prayed and expand the prayer.
Learning to facilitate Harp and Bowl takes practice, and it is primarily taught through practical participation and an understanding of the fundamental principles.
This hands-on practical experience will be central to the Harp and Bowl Equipping Event at the Community of the Cross, October 12-14, 2022.
Participants will receive foundational teaching on the Harp and Bowl model during this event. They will have the opportunity to participate in leading a session of Harp and Bowl, either as a worship leader or as the intercessory leader (alternatively, participants may simply choose to participate in these times of prayer).
Doug and Carla McMurray, who have led Harp and Bowl at numerous PRMI events, will be facilitating these sessions.
You can register for the event below.
There is limited space, so register early.
Follow PRMI on Social Media!
I am involved in worship leading with Dunamis at the COC, and am eager to learn the principles of Harp and Bowl worship and how to facilitate it well. I believe this will grow me in more effective worship leading.