In 1988 Bob Ricker, then president of the Baptist General Conference, asked me to chair a new Commission he was forming on prayer. When I saw the lineup of who would serve as Commissioners, I was shocked that I would serve as chair. I didn't even belong on the list! 

One of the names that popped out at me right away was Evelyn Christenson. Evelyn was then and remains today the "Great Lady" of the prayer movement, not only in Converge/BGC but also nationally.

Evelyn is greatly loved and respected by prayer leaders across America and around the world.  She was calling on Christians to pray fervently long before it became vogue. She was one of the original founders of America's National Prayer Committee, along with Vonette Bright and others. 

It was a privilege to serve with her on that first Prayer Commission, and I have always believed that our Prayer First ministry stood on the foundation laid by Evelyn and her book What Happens When Women Pray.

Thank you, Evelyn, for reminding evangelicals all over the world that the Bible calls us to pray! Thank you for being the conscience for prayer in the BGC.

Note: As this e-mail is being sent out, Evelyn is in perhaps her final days here on earth. As Prayer First team members, we want to honor Evelyn and her prayer legacy.  

You're Ready to Go
by Carol Madison
Prayer First Director of Communications

I have had the privilege of sitting on Evelyn Christenson's United Prayer Ministry Board for the last year. I'm not sure why the Lord has had me there, other than I know I am to be present and honor Evelyn for her faithfulness. I have been blessed to sit under her teaching and be inspired by her vision. Evelyn always speaks enthusiastically of her love for the Lord and her hope for revival.

At 88 years old, Evelyn has struggled with heart failure and been on oxygen for a long time. Yet she has never given up! She has prayed for revival for decades, and her fervency in prayer increases every day, even as her body gives way to weakness. Evelyn always keeps her eyes fixed on Jesus, the Hope of Glory.

As a leader in the international prayer movement for decades, Evelyn has taught men and women around the world to pray. Evelyn was a member of the original BGC Prayer Commission in 1988, which later became Prayer First. Prayer for revival - and ultimately the salvation of the lost - is her heart cry.

There. You're Ready to Go!
Last week I had the opportunity to say good-bye to Evelyn in a private moment. I thanked her for the honor to sit under her leadership. I was then blessed as Evelyn prayed over me in what she termed as "her dinky blessing" compared to the Lord's great blessings. When she finished praying for me, she looked at me and said, "There. You're ready to go!"

I take that to mean that there is more to do in the prayer movement, and Evelyn is encouraging me - and all of us - to stay faithful to the end, wherever the Lord takes us. He took Evelyn to the ends of the earth, and perhaps soon He will welcome her into glory! 

Prayer Resources



National Day of Prayer: May 6, 2010
This is the 59th annual observance of prayer in our nation based on the theme: For Such a Time as This. To find an event in your area or register your NDOP observance, go to www.nationaldayofprayer.org.

Global Day of Prayer: May 23, 2010
The Global Day of Praying is celebrating its tenth anniversary. Rising up out of South Africa, the world is now invited to pray in unity for repentance and revival around the globe. It is anticipated that all 220 nations of the earth will again participate!

For more information, go to www.gdopusa.com.You may order copies of the Ten Day prayer guide by going to www.waymakers.org.

Please pray for God's comfort and blessing for Evelyn Christenson  and her family. Pray that Evelyn's legacy of prayer will carry on through the mission of Prayer First. 


The Prayer First Steering Team is making plans for prayer opportunities at the Biennial Conference in Denver this summer,  including corporate prayer times and an organized prayer walk in Denver. Please pray for the team as they plan and organize.

Plans are being made for another Praying Church Conference in Bloomington, MN, October 15-16, 2010. Featured speakers include David Bryant, Jerry Sheveland, and Bob Bakke. Please pray for the Prayer First Steering Team as they make plans for the conference. 

Pray for a National Day of Prayer and a Global Day of Prayer gathering in your church or community. If you don't know of anything going on, perhaps God would have you lead something!

Join us in fasting and praying for a nationwide movement of revival in our churches and a great evangelistic harvest of the lost! 

Ongoing financial support will help Prayer First and the Steering Team move forward with vision for prayer throughout Converge Worldwide. Part of your donation will provide funding for part-time staff to support the ministry.

Click here to donate.