Beginning Jan. 1 and continuing through Feb. 9, Tabernacle of Praise Church in Henryetta will open its doors nightly for a powerful, community-wide spiritual effort titled 40 Nights of Prayer. The gathering will take place each evening from 6-7 p.m. at the church, located at 2770 N. Dewar Ave., and is open to all churches, all believers and anyone seeking unity, hope and renewal through prayer.
According to Marcus Whitworth, the 40-day prayer vigil is intentionally inclusive and rooted in the belief that Christians across denominations can come together around one shared foundation – faith in Jesus Christ.
“This is an endeavor for all churches and all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ to come together in unity and faith,” Whitworth said. “We can all agree on the Person of the Christ. He is our common denominator.”
The nightly prayer services will focus on healing, breakthroughs, and miracles, with participants encouraged to come believing and expecting. Whitworth said the vision for the prayer vigil is grounded in Scripture, particularly Acts 2:17, which speaks of God pouring out His Spirit upon all people.
“At the heart of this effort is unity,” Whitworth said. “There is level ground at the foot of the Cross where Jesus died to redeem us all from our sin.”
Tabernacle of Praise Church will serve as the host congregation, with Rev. Mike Burns serving as host pastor. The prayer gatherings will be led and facilitated by Rev. Myron Bagby, a longtime member of Tabernacle of Praise whose ministry specialty is prayer.
Whitworth said the idea for the 40 Days of Prayer was first “birthed in Rev. Bagby’s heart and mind,” growing into a vision that now seeks participation from churches and believers throughout Henryetta and the surrounding area.
“We are hoping this special prayer effort will be supported by the entire community,” Whitworth said. “Our desire is to bring in prayer representation from various local churches and see the Body of Christ come together.”
Whitworth noted the inspiration for the vigil also draws from the events of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the early church.
“At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended when the 120 people present were in one accord in their obedience to God,” Whitworth said. “That same principle of unity is what we are praying for today.”
The gathering emphasizes unity without uniformity – a concept Whitworth said is well captured by the words of early church father Augustine, whose quote reflects the spirit of the event: “Liberty in the non-essentials, unity in the essentials, but above all charity.”
Whitworth emphasized that the nightly prayer meetings are intended to be welcoming and accessible, with no requirement other than a willingness to join in prayer.
“All are welcome to attend,” Whitworth said. “Red, yellow, black and white – they are precious in His sight.” The theme “40 Nights of Prayer” reflects both biblical symbolism and spiritual discipline. In Scripture, the number 40 often represents periods of testing, preparation, and transformation. Whitworth said the extended prayer period is meant to foster consistency, expectancy and spiritual growth.
Promotional materials for the event invite participants “into the presence of God” and encourage the community to seek Him together in prayer.
“Come believing. Come expecting,” Whitworth said. “God is moving.”
While attendance for all 40 nights is encouraged, Whitworth stressed that individuals may attend as often as they are able.
“Whether you come one night or many, you are welcome,” he said.
The 40 Nights of Prayer will begin tomorrow and conclude Sunday, Feb. 9, nightly from 6-7 p.m. at Tabernacle of Praise Church in Henryetta.
