1. History "link cells of prayer"
A vision burning
In the fifties, young secular Christians from different backgrounds
and animated by the Spirit of God committed to the vision to deepen
their prayer life. They are dedicated to evangelize their generation and ask the
Lord a mighty revival to the church to become truly "the Body of
Christ ". Banishing all parochialism between believers from different churches
and denominations, they communicate that vision of unity by organizing all
evangelistic campaigns.
Birth of the "Link of prayer"
"I tell you again that if two of you agree on earth to ask
any thing, it will be done by my Father
in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am
among them. "(Matthew 18: 19-20, NEG).
In 1953, this promise of Jesus calls 120 believers in western Switzerland
which then decide to develop a first study on the definition and
creation of a cell of prayer. Furthermore, participants feel the need
stay in touch to experience the unity in Christ. This aspiration will be
the origin of the "Link of prayer."
The smallest will become a thousand
Some prayer groups are scattered in western Switzerland and the
first issue of "link please." At that time, the paper is only
small sheet printed in 100 copies. In addition, prayer cells are often
considered marginal, and sometimes accused of dividing the Church.
But God encourages those humble beginnings in giving this promise: "For
used to my glory, says God, the smaller will become a thousand! "(Isaiah 60: 22).
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A prayer chain constant
In 1954, a prayer chain 24 hours over 24 is set up. It soon
not as hundreds of links, they commit to pray
least half an hour a day at a time. This ministry continues
for some years. God responds by creating many cells.
Nights of prayer for worldwide revival
In 1961, the Holy Spirit led the charge of "Link" to contact the
English promoters of the "Night of Prayer for a worldwide revival." The vision
widens and allows you to translate and disseminate these new from thousands
intercessors spread the Francophonie. These letters are included in "The
Link "until 1982. This information encourages Christians and groups
begin to meet for nights (or half-nights) of the prayer
first Friday of each month.
Renewal in the Spirit
In the seventies, the understanding of the Father's love is widening again.
The Holy Spirit works in many communities and crosses blithely
barriers denominational churches. So many brothers
and sisters evangelical Protestants, Catholics, etc.., experience the
Renewal of the Holy Spirit. These people begin to gather in cells
prayer, with the support of the teachings and ministry of the "Link".
Thus, over the years, the astonishing promise of multiplication has been accomplished,
the circulation of the newspaper has grown rapidly to reach many
cells scattered throughout the world,
Today, this small quarterly newsletter has a circulation of 44,000 copies and key
approximately 3000 cells of prayer established in nearly 80 countries.
In this fantastic release also added hundreds of thousands of small
Bible studies that are sent for training officials
cells.
The work of the Link of prayer cells also contributed to a better recognition
the place of prayer groups in the Church. Today
"Cells" of prayer, also called home communities or groups of weeks
are the privileged places that allow many people
to discover the life of the Church and to persevere (see Acts 2.46-47).