Over recent years, God has been raising the levels of prayer through the body of Christ worldwide. In all kinds of places, in all kinds of ways, Christians are seeking God for His Kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. From Cathedrals to farms, from homes to prayer centres, from shopping malls to stadiums gatherings are taking place sometimes with just a few and sometimes with many thousands. At the same time God is raising up World Centres for prayer. Prayer Mountains and Prayer Centres are springing up in strategic locations across the Continents.

In 1992, God gave a vision for such a centre in Birmingham, England, with the express purpose of placing a stake in the heart of the UK that would demonstrate in design and purpose, something of His Kingdom. Very specific details were given as to how the building was to function with prayer, mission, family and the poor as the four cornerstones of the vision.

Since becoming a registered charity in 1997, World Prayer Centre Birmingham has been involved in encouraging and developing prayer at a local, national, and international level. From church meetings to conferences, from national days of prayer to sending prayer teams to many nations, WPC team is building foundations on which the work of the Centre will stand. WPC is working with Christians in their ministry of mission and social action both in the UK and abroad.

The Centre when built will challenge generations to come, concerning their vision, time, talents, and responsibilities for this global village in which they are residents. It is a place where children and young people will be able to pray together, play together, learn together, and share with children and young people around the world. Families will meet and learn with families. People from one continent will learn and pray with those from another continent. Individual rooms for each continent of the world will be designed to reflect something of the life of that continent that will aid prayer and give information concerning special needs being experienced at a given time.

Around the 60-food diameter globe, Christian agencies will exhibit the work they are doing nationally and worldwide. Around the boulevard of nations, people will walk the world, pray, learn, and share. The 5,000-seater auditorium is designed to hold and excite people of all age groups concerning prayer, mission, family, and the marginalized. Travel lodge style accommodation will be available for individuals, families, youth, and church groups to enjoy the World Prayer Centre experience.

To reflect our responsibility for God’s creation, the Centre will use green and sustainable materials and energy from sustainable sources that will positively contribute to the environment in both its construction and ongoing use. Beautiful gardens and quiet areas will be provided to enable those who need them to meditate, listen, and reflect.

At the time of writing, WPC has been given 53 acres of land subject to planning permission, and we await in God’s time and in His way the financial resources to build the Centre. It is our strong desire that we open the Centre free of debt. The cost of the building is in the region of £200 million.

Throughout our journey, God has told us that this must be a heaven-to-earth project. He has reminded us continually that the Centre must be an Isaac. In His time, in His way, by His grace we stay on that course.

Ian Cole