Georgia Baptists invited to join yearlong Prayer 365 movement for evangelism

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Georgia Baptists are being invited to take part in a new prayer movement that leaders believe could spark a wave of gospel impact across the state in 2026.

The Georgia Baptist Mission Board has launched the Prayer365 Initiative, a key component of its wider Evangelism Initiative, calling on individuals, churches, and associations to claim a day on the calendar to lead focused prayer gatherings.

The goal is simple but ambitious: see every day of the year covered in prayer for lost people, pastors, churches, and communities.

“Can you imagine if every single day in 2026, seven days a week, all year long, there are groups of Georgia Baptists praying for a move of God to impact our state?” asked Steve Parr, Evangelism Strategy Director for the GBMB. “We desire to see at least 365 gatherings, but we can double up on dates as we move forward.”

Pastor Fred Anderson of First Baptist Baxley said the church has been focused on praying for the lost and equipping members to share the gospel. “I believe prayer is the first step in sharing Jesus,” he said, explaining what led his congregation to sign up for Prayer365. “The initiative directly fits as we are preaching and teaching that you will not reach the lost unless you take the step in prayer.”

Those who sign up for the initiative are asked to do three things:

1. Plan a prayer gathering focused on evangelism for the day they select.
2. Promote the gathering within their sphere of ministry, whether that’s three people or 300.
3. Lead the gathering, drawing from a short tutorial and prayer suggestions provided by the Mission Board if needed.

Flexibility is built in. Each gathering can take whatever form works best for the leader, whether it be church-wide services, small group prayer, or even family devotionals. The Mission Board emphasizes that the size of the group is less important than the act of faithful, intentional prayer.

Anderson said his church will dedicate the day to fasting and focused prayer. “We will be fasting and have prayer emphasis throughout the day,” he explained, adding that the church will also promote the event during Wednesday night gatherings.

Registrants will receive immediate confirmation by email, along with resources and encouragement in the 90 days leading up to their chosen date.

The emphasis on prayer comes directly out of statewide listening sessions held earlier this year, where more than 750 pastors and leaders identified prayer as the foundation for evangelism.

Church leaders acknowledged the many challenges facing evangelism today, ranging from apathy and fear to time constraints and cultural shifts, but identified prayer, both personal and corporate, as the foundation for all gospel work. Parr said the initiative is designed to be a commitment to seek God’s power for gospel witness across Georgia.

Anderson echoed that conviction. “Evangelism begins with prayer. Through prayer, God gives us eyes to see the lost clearly, it gives us a greater burden for the lost, and keeps us aware of how concerned Jesus is with the lost in our community,” he said.

Executive Director Thomas Hammond concurred, stressing that no congregation is too small to make a difference. “The urgency of reaching the lost is ever-present, and now is the time for us to unite as Georgia Baptists in a focused effort to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with every man, woman, and child in our state,” Hammond said. “The success of this initiative hinges on the active participation of every church.”

Anderson added that Prayer365 will also strengthen congregations spiritually. “It will impact every family that participates as they draw close to Christ. I know God will use it to soften the hearts of our people as we seek to be more intentional with the gospel.”

The prayer movement is intended to set the stage for other evangelism training, resources, and outreach opportunities that will unfold as part of the larger strategy.

Signing up is simple and takes only a few minutes. By visiting the Prayer 365 website, individuals or churches can claim a date, watch a short instructional video showing how to register, and immediately receive details to prepare, promote, and lead their gathering.

To pastors still considering whether to get involved, Anderson offered a word of encouragement: “Pastors, get on board! Prayer is the least we can do and the most we can do!”

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For more information or to register for the Prayer 365 Initiative, go to https://gabaptist.org/prayer365/.