The recent gathering in Halifax was nothing short of extraordinary. We came together with pastors and leaders from various denominations and networks, united in our mission to cultivate cultures of Kingdom prayer within local churches. Inspiring seminars led by Ray and Fran Duerksen (founders of CRI) and Kathy McIntosh (Alpha Canada prayer director) ignited our hearts and minds.
One particularly moving moment involved a young marketplace leader wrestling with his identity and calling to share the good news of Jesus with others in the marketplace. God’s presence was palpable as the Holy Spirit spoke to him through three unrelated individuals, offering him words the Spirit had given them for him. As he received prayer, his entire demeanour transformed as he was led through identifying and being freed from the lies of the enemy to the liberating truth of being a child of God. It was a powerful reminder of how God can break chains and bring freedom!
As the Ignite Prayer Halifax citywide worship and prayer evening was to end, something amazing happened—no one wanted to leave! Dale and Tracey Winder, prayer leaders for BGEA Canada, were set to close the evening, but instead, they invited everyone to the front of the sanctuary. The room erupted in worship and prayer as we sought God’s face together and basked in the Holy Spirit’s presence. There was a powerful sense of unity in prayer and worship. Pastor Chris from Rock Church led in prayers, breaking historic strongholds over Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.
Two weeks later, Ignite Toronto gathered at Bayview Glen Alliance Church, where the Spirit stirred a deeper conviction and compassion for the lost during the afternoon seminars. Leaders from 125+ churches, denominations, and networks gathered, and the impact was profound. Ray and Fran Duerksen equipped us with tools for ministry, while Mark Miller from BGEA Canada challenged us to embrace our calling as Spirit-led messengers of good news. The evening worship and prayer gathering echoed with a call for unity and mission within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). As a Calgarian, I felt led to repent of my negative attitude towards Toronto, recognizing it as a strategic hub where the world converges in a beautiful multicultural mosaic.
“The whole day was a time of encouragement and challenge. To see hundreds of leaders from a great variety of denominational connections and parachurch organizations gathered in unity to pray for God to bring spiritual renewal to the GTA was such a blessing.”
Praying churches unleash God’s transformational power. As leaders model prayer, they inspire their people to seek God wholeheartedly, creating a ripple effect in the church and community. In 2025, why not consider how you can cultivate a culture of prayer in your church? Check our Starter Kit and other resources, training, and Ignite events.
Willy Reimer, Ignite Lead Team Member, 787 Collective Executive Director