Evangelist and preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon ministered over nearly the entire last half of the 19th century. It is said he preached to over 10 million in that time and his Metropolitan Tabernacle in downtown London (still present today!) was one of the first ‘megachurches’ and one of the first non-denominational churches after they split from their Baptist affiliation over a controversy.
Prayer was such a vital part of his ministry that the following story is told (with variations):
“Five young college students were spending a Sunday in London, so they went to hear the famed C.H. Spurgeon preach. While waiting for the doors to open, the students were greeted by a man who asked, “Gentlemen, let me show you around. Would you like to see the heating plant of this church?” They were not particularly interested, for it was a hot day in July. But they didn’t want to offend the stranger, so they consented. The young men were taken down a stairway, a door was quietly opened, and their guide whispered, “This is our heating plant.” Surprised, the students saw 700 people bowed in prayer, seeking a blessing on the service that was soon to begin in the auditorium above. Softly closing the door, the gentleman then introduced himself. It was none other than Charles Spurgeon.”
It is said that Billy Graham testified that it was not until he realized and got serious about prayer that his ministry finally took off.
The Boiler Room at Grace is where people can gather and pray. It is a area to pray alone or pray with other believers, or pray during the sermon on Sunday. We want to develop a culture of prayer where we as a church bring everything to the Lord in prayer.