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The Tabernacle of David

Basics by
Dave Pitzo
A Short
Catechism on the
Tabernacle of David by Bob Johnson, Zion Song Ministries
History
of the Tabernacle of David - From David to current by Friends of the Bridegroom
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Basics
by Dave Pitzo
Background
Lack of
Teaching
Little has been taught in the institutional church in the last
two centuries concerning the Hebrew practices from their ancient history
regarding tabernacle worship. The tabernacle of Moses is the more popular
teaching as it relates to the time of Moses, the giving of the Law to the Jewish
people and the more infamous is, the giving of the
10 Commandments from GOD to Moses. The 10 Commandments has been in
the news today because the USA liberals through active judiciaries have been
trying to eliminate their presence in written form from public facilities.
David's Tabernacle is different than Moses Tabernacle.
When God gave Moses the law, it was extensive and covered all
areas of life for the Jewish people. There were over 600 commandments
including the 10 Commandments. Within this framework God gave the Jewish
people a way to cleanse themselves from sin. This cleansing came about
through the practice of selected "priests" who would go through a ceremony.
This ceremony was practiced in three separate areas of the tabernacle of Moses.
Each area was a segway to a more conclusive experience with God. Each part
of the ceremony was given in detail by the LORD. The Priests actually wore
"bells" on their robes so that in case the Priest made a mistake and God would
take the priest's life, the assistants would here the bells stop ringing and
with a rope tied around the priest's ankle, they would drag him out without
having to go into the ceremonial area. This costly encounter did
happen one time as recorded in the Old Testament.
The Grand
Finale
The final activity of the priest was to
pass beyond a veil that was two feet thick. Behind this veil was
the ark of the covenant. The ark housed
several historic remnants of the Jewish experience with GOD. One was the
two tablets that were inscribed by the finger of God and given to Moses.
The other was the rod that Aaron (Moses brother and 1st High Priest) carried
that supernaturally budded. More important than what was in it was what
happened when the priest walked behind the veil. This was the last
step in the atonement process. Once the priest was behind the veil
and God accepted his sacrifice and ceremony the Lord would respond by coming in
"His Glory" which was physically seen by the nation of Israel as they watched
from outside the tented area of ceremony (referred to as the tabernacle).
The glory appeared as a cloud, much like a twister
would look but not contained in the context of a storm. The cloud would
just hover over the tent while the priest remained behind the veil.
The reason for the tent veil being so thick was to protect the
priest. The Jews believed that an encounter with God in all His strength
would take the life of the human who encounters Him in such a manner.
There are several experiences recorded in the scripture however that men like
Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua had a one on one encounter with the Lord in a
physical showing, each of them amazed that they still had their life.
The Glory of
God
The "glory of God" is what mankind
has been seeking since the historic encounters have been recorded.
Throughout the ages until the present time, God has stepped up His ability to
make Himself known through the mysterious manifestation of
His glory. The "glory" by definition of the Hebrew word from which
we translate it means: the powerful revealing of His
strength and personality in such a way that it is overwhelming." This definition is actually my own
paraphrase that combines both Hebrew definition and my personal experience with
it.
There is much to be said about the
manifestation of the "glory of God." In an attempt to give a basis for
understanding of the "restoration of the tabernacle of David" I'll have to keep
this brief while being informative. In modern times the manifestation
(def: make visible) has taken place in North America in several cities. In
fact twice, in 1994 and 1995, it showed up on "Fathers Day." This
visitation of God came to individual congregations who were both open to it and
prepared to handle it. These two particular cities of choice was Toronto
and Pensacola (respectively). The news of these visitations did become
public knowledge by the secular media (who didn't understand it) but even more
particular was the international travel that came into both respective airports
making these meetings the number one reason people traveled in and out. The
meeting in these two places went seven days a week and people lined up in
outside the buildings for hours waiting to get into the building and experience
this level of the glory of the Lord. Numerous
other cities in the USA have experienced similar visitations.
David's
Contribution
King David (about 800 B.C.) was a
worshipper of GOD. From his youth, he was known to be watching his fathers
sheep while playing a stringed instrument and worshipping the LORD.
David's story has been much read and studied by all forms of Bible students.
There are many examples that believers today want to emulate from David's life.
Many sermons in churches today tell of David's encounter as a young boy
challenging one of the giants who lived during those days. Goliath was a
man about nine feet tall. He was in the army of Phillistia, which hated
Israel.
Through unusual circumstances,
David became King of Israel. One of the first things David did as King was
to go out and recapture the "ark of the covenant" from the Phillistines.
The Phllistines had captured it before David's reign as King. When
David brought the "ark" back into the city, worship broke out and David is known
for an undignified dance before the Lord. He later organized and assembled
4000 musicians and 288 singers who were skillful in the "song of the Lord."
The ark of the tabernacle was then placed in a make shift tent that David
erected for the ark. The tent did not have a veil like Moses tent did. The musicians and
singers became the absorbing veil for the "glory of God." The musicians were assigned to
sing and play their instruments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days per
year (Roman Calendar understanding). In this scenario we know that the
level of the glory was not enough to kill them, but sometimes left incapable of
playing their instruments.
As far as we know He did this for
33 years until his son Solomon built a tabernacle for the ark.
During this time, David reigned over Israel, even it's enemies were at peace
with them because of David's reputation and military might. We equate this
demonstration of power to the 24/7 worship taking place and manifestation of the
presence and power of God. The effects of 24/7 worship and prayer affects
cities, regions, and nations. This historic time is when most of the
psalms (the Book of Psalms, Old Testament) were written and recorded. It
culminated their experience in life in relationship with God.
Today's
experience with God in current tabernacle worship has been talked about a
lot by those who attend or join the full or part time staffs of such ministries.
Everyone always talks about the presence of the Lord and how wonderful it is.
The atmosphere is a continual access into the very heavenlies where the voice
and ears of God are very accessible. People linger there for hours and
hours. What we don't know about the glory realm is just how powerful it
was in David's day, in Jesus day, during various visitations throughout our
time. People can be in awe of it but we don't know how to compare it
by the writings and recordings that we have today. However, we believe
that the glory of the Lord that will be revealed when Christians everywhere are
assembled and continually seeking God night and day will no comparison.
Cities and Nations will be shaken to the core by such a visitation and
approximately two billion people will come into the Kingdom of God in a
relatively short period of time. The Earth in this soon and coming time will
never have had so many worshippers of Jesus Christ in both heaven and earth than
at this time in world history. These will be days of awe.
In Summary
Something that took place 2800
years ago, has been foretold by the prophet Amos (9:11) that it would be
restored. In our understanding it's restoration would be a segway to many,
many gentiles coming into a salvation experience with Jesus Christ.
This salvation experience will be different because of the appearing of the
"glory of God." Very supernatural things will take place during this
restoration of the tabernacle of David. Things such as for example:
young children will be praying for people and incurable diseases will be healed,
lost limbs will be restored, the dead will be raised etc. signs and
wonders will be seen again by people causing them to believe in Jesus.
This restoration of the tabernacle
will change the church back to a "house of prayer." A place of
simple devotion, communion and visitation of the presence of the Lord.
Church programs and excessive structure will be cast away in exchange for the
Lord's presence. The
social political climate in many countries will change because of the worship
and prayer going up by the church. The basis for power in the church
to effect the world through the gospel will be because of the continual worship
and prayer going up in many cities throughout the world.
Today
Today in the USA alone there are
already several cities that are going 24/7/365. Namely one is Kansas
City, MO who has been 24/7/365 since September of 1999. At the same time
many cities throughout the Midwest and other parts of the world are all in
various stages of development. In the next five to ten years, we
expect perhaps 100 cities to be 24/7/365 in the Midwest alone.
The public awareness of this
activity is almost zero. The secular public has no value or interest for
prayer to a God that they don't believe in to exist. Therefore the playing
field for idealology is not level, the praying church is in charge of the near
future. The secular opponents to the advancement of the gospel will have
no way to withstand the efforts of the prayer movement. It's a little snow
ball now but will soon become an avalanche.
The likes of what took place in the
mid 1990's will happen in cities everywhere. All though it may not be
pretty because of those who will resist the presence of God not willing to give
up their power and position to the Lord's sovereign presence.
Davidic Alliance, Dave Pitzo
Permission to distribute this article is
freely granted provided that you reference our website:
www.WarriorBride.com
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FAQ: A Short Catechism on the Tabernacle of
David |
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by Bob
Johnson, Zion Song Ministries |
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What is the Tabernacle
of David?
The Tabernacle of
David is the name given to the tent that King David set up on Mount Zion in
Jerusalem to house the Ark of the Covenant. It was the center of a new order
of joyful worship which stood in sharp contrast to the solemn worship of
Moses' Tabernacle. Instead of the sacrifices of animals, the sacrifices
offered at David's Tabernacle were the sacrifices of praise, joy and
thanksgiving (Psalm 95:2,100:4, 141:2). The Tabernacle of David is a
type of the worship of the Church. Jesus fulfilled the sacrificial system of
the Old Covenant by His death on the cross (Hebrews 1:3, 7:27, 9:12,
9:24-28). The sacrifices of the Church, the New Covenant priesthood, are
the sacrifices of praise, joy and thanksgiving (Hebrews 13:15, 1 Peter 2:9).
In addition to the worship of the Church, the Tabernacle of David points to
the proclamation and authority of Christ through His Church, thus
foreshadowing the priestly, kingly and prophetic ministries of the Church
(Revelation 1:6, 5:10, 19:10, Acts 2:17, 1 Corinthians 14:1,3-5, 24-25, 29,
39).
Wasn't the Ark of the Covenant housed in the Temple?
Not always. The Ark
of the Covenant was originally housed in the Tabernacle of Moses (also
called the Tabernacle of the Congregation). In the year 1050 B.C., David
brought the Ark to Jerusalem and placed it in a tent, the Tabernacle of
David (2 Samuel 6, 1 Chronicles 13-16). The Ark stayed in David's
Tabernacle for 40 years until it was moved into the Temple built and
dedicated by David's son Solomon in 1010 B.C. (2 Chronicles 5-7).
What does the
Tabernacle of David have to do with us today?
Plenty. The prophet
Amos spoke of the Church - he said "In that day will I raise up the
tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I
will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old."
(Amos 9:11) This prophecy was interpreted by the leaders of the first
century Church as being fulfilled in their day
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"And after they
had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren,
hearken unto me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit
the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this
agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will
return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen
down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the
Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all
these things. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of
the world." (Acts 15:13-18) |
James quotes from
Amos 9 to show that the salvation of the Gentiles is a fulfillment of Old
Testament prophecy, and that they were living during the time of the
restoration of the Tabernacle of David. The Apostles knew that the Church
was the restored Tabernacle of David, the place where Christ is worshiped,
speaks prophetically and exercises His authority. The result of the Church
flowing in Davidic worship, prophecy and authority was a great harvest of
souls
What is meant by Davidic Worship?
The phrase "Davidic
worship" simply means worship in the spirit of the Tabernacle of David, that
is, worship that is an act of the whole person, not just the intellect. The
worship of David's Tabernacle included singing, instrumental music,
standing, kneeling, bowing, upraised hands, clapping and dancing. Davidic
worship fulfills the command of Jesus to"love the Lord your God with all
your heart, all your soul, all your mind and all your strength" (Mark
12:30).
What are the Key Scriptures concerning the Tabernacle of David?
The establishment
of Davd's Tabernacle is described in 2 Samuel 6 and 1
Chronicles 13-16. From these passages we see that David prepared a place
for the Ark (1 Chr. 15:1), the Levites sanctified themselves for
their ministry (1 Chr. 15:14) which was to carry the Ark and minister
to the Lord (1 Chr. 15:2). All Israel joined in the procession (1
Chr. 15:3) which was marked by by joyful instrumental and vocal music
(1 Chr. 15:16-21 ) and dancing (2 Sam. 6:14, 1 Chr. 15:29).
Despite all of this, the celebration was not without its detractors (2
Sam. 6:16, 1 Chr. 15:29).
The majority of the
Psalms were originally sung as prophetic songs in David's Tabernacle.
They account in detail the expressions of worship offered by the Israelites
before the Ark of the Covenant. In addition, they describe the full range of
human emotions revealed in the presence of God, from deepest despair to
highest joy.
The righteous kings
of Israel that followed David reestablished Davidic worship within
the context of Temple worship. These revivals of Davidic worship paved the
way for spiritual renewal and military victory. These times of revival and
victory were under Solomon (2 Chr. 5-7) - 101 B.C.,
Jehoshaphat (2 Chr. 20) - 896 B.C., Joash (2 Chr.
23-24) - 835 B.c., Hezekiah (2 Chr. 29-30) - 726 B.C.,
Josiah (2 Chr. 35) - 623 B.C., Ezra (Ezra 3:10-13)
- 536 B.C. and Nehemiah (Neh. 12:28-47) - 446 B.C.
The Old Testament
prophecies that specifically mention the Tabernacle of David are
Isaiah 16:5 and Amos 9:11-12. There are numerous additional
prophecies concerning the coming of Messiah and His kingdom that refer to
Zion, the mountain of the Lord, the glory of the Lord and other images that
are obvious references to the Tabernacle of David. See especially Isaiah
2:2-5, Isaiah 9:2-7, Isaiah 35, Isaiah 40:1-5, Isaiah 60:1-3, Isaiah 61,
Isaiah 62, Jeremiah 33:10-22, Micah 4:1-2, and Haggai 2:6-7.
The New Testament
contains many quotes by Jesus and the Apostles of passages
from the Psalms and Prophets. Several of these quotes contain prophecies
concerning the coming of Messiah to reign on David's throne. In speaking of
the incarnation, John writes that Jesus tabernacled among us (John
1:14). The Church is referred to as the temple of God (1 Cor. 3:16,
Eph. 2:19-22). The Tabernacle of David is specifically mentioned in Acts
15:16-17 as being fulfilled by the Church. Scriptures referring to
Davidic worship are not limited to the Old Testament. The New Testament
tells us to sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19, Col.
3:16), to sing in the spirit (1 Cor. 14:15), to lift holy hands
in prayer (1 Tim. 2:8) and to offer to God the sacrifice of praise
(Heb. 13:15). The book of Revelation records scene after scene of
heavenly worship that includes shouting (Rev. 19:1), "Hallelujahs"
(Rev. 19:7), singing the new song (Rev. 5:9), and bowing (Rev.
4:10).
Is
the restoration of the Tabernacle of David a sign that we are in the Last
Days?
According to the
Bible definition of the last days, yes. The Bible refers to the time of the
Old Covenant as the former days and the time of Messiah, the New
Covenant era, as the latter days. The First century Christians
understood that they were living in the last days, the age of Messiah's
kingdom. Jesus came to build His Church, to gather a people out of every
nation to worship and serve Him. Jesus continues to build His Church, the
restored Tabernacle of David, and we continue to live in the last days.
While it is true the
the restoration of David's Tabernacle has received renewed emphasis during
the second half of the 20th century, we must remember that there have been
those throughout Church history who have embraced the principles of Davidic
worship, proclaimed the word of the Lord and worked to advance His kingdom.
God has always had a people who ministered as prophets, kings and priests.
Having said that, we
are thankful that God has chosen to reemphasize this truth during our
generation. We are indebted to the pioneers of the Restoration/Revival
churches who prophetically proclaimed this message long before it became
popular, long before there was a "worship movement." The seed that has been
planted by a generation that has gone before us will bear much fruit in the
21st century.
Is
this restoration something all Christians can participate in?
Absolutely! The
restoration of David's Tabernacle is not the exclusive property of
Charismatics, Pentecostals or Messianic Jews. It is for Anglican, Assemblies
of God, Baptist, Catholic, Evangelical, Lutheran, Methodist, Nazarene,
Nondenominational, Orthodox and Presbyterian churches. It is for Jews and
Gentiles, Africans and Caucasians, Asians and Hispanics - Christians from
every race. Davidic worship is not for only one culture or ethnic group -
Jesus has redeemed us from "every tribe and language and people and nation"
(Rev. 5:9) to be a kingdom of priests to serve Him and minister to
Him in worship. Raising hands in worship is not a Charismatic style of
worship, it is a Bible style of worship (Ps. 134:2). Spirit-filled
worship is not a Pentecostal way of worship, it is a Christian way of
worship (Eph. 5:18-20). The Father seeks worshipers who will worship
Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24). The restoration of the
Tabernacle of David is a restoration of worship in spirit and truth.
How
can I be a part of this Restoration?
On a personal level,
you can study the scriptures relating to the Tabernacle of David and begin
to practice the principles of Davidic worship in your own home. Add a time
of praise and worship - ministry to the Lord - to your private devotional
life of Bible reading, meditation and prayer. On a corporate level, be
faithful to the weekly worship services of your own local church - attend
regularly and come ready to do your part in offering the sacrifice of praise
to Jesus. In addition to faithfulness to your local church, you can become
involved in ecumenical, city-wide worship gatherings. More and more
Christians are gathering for the express purpose of ministering to the Lord.
Many churches and ministries are sponsoring such gatherings on Friday or
Saturday nights. Some have even opened centers for continuous worship, 24
hours, seven days a week. Find out what opportunities are available in your
city and be a part of the present day restoration of the Tabernacle of
David! |
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© 2000 ZionSong
Ministries. All rights reserved.
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Brief History of 24/7 Prayer
Published by Friends of the Bridegroom, Kansas City,
MO - Author unknown
I. The Tabernacle of David
King David was a man of “One Thing” (Ps 27:4). Around 1000 BC, as an outflow
of his heart, he commanded that the Ark of the Covenant be brought up on the
shoulders of the Levites, to the sound of songs and musical instruments to his
new capital – Jerusalem. There he had it placed in a tent and appointed 288
prophetic singers and 4000 musicians to minister before the Lord, “to make
petition, to give thanks and to praise the Lord” day and night. This was unlike
anything that had been done in Israel’s history, but it was God’s plan for
Israel.
II. The Davidic Order of Worship
Although the Tabernacle was replaced by a Temple, the Davidic order of
worship was embraced and re-instituted by seven subsequent leaders in the
history of Israel and Judah. Each time this order of worship was reinstituted,
spiritual breakthrough, deliverance and military victory followed.
Solomon instructed that worship in the Temple should be in accordance with the
Davidic Order (2 Chronicles 8: 14-15)
Jehoshaphat defeats Moab and Ammon by setting singers up in accordance with
Davidic Order – Singers at front of Army singing the Great Hallel. Jehoshaphat
reinstitutes Davidic Worship in Temple (2 Chronicles 20:20-22 & 28)
Joash – 2 Chronicles 23-24
Hezekiah cleansed, re-consecrated and reinstituted Davidic Order of worship in
the temple (2 Chronicles 29, 30:21)
Josiah reinstituted Davidic worship (2 Chronicles 35)
Ezra and Nehemiah – Return from Babylon – reinstituted Davidic Worship (Ezra
3:10, Nehemiah 12: 28-47)
Historians have also speculated that around the time of Jesus, in their search
to find communion with God, the Essenes of the Judean wilderness reinstituted
the Davidic order of worship as part of their life of prayer and fasting.
III. The Early Monastic Tradition of 24/7 Prayer
For over one thousand years monasticism (the practice of taking vows of
poverty, chastity and obedience to one’s spiritual superior) held a key role in
the development of theology and practice in the church. From the fourth and
fifth century, monks and nuns were an accepted part of society. Monasticism was
the cradle in which ‘perpetual prayer’ or Laus Perennis was birthed (in the
church age). Some of the key figures from this tradition are:
A. Alexander Akimites and the Sleepless Ones
Born in Asia Minor and educated in Constantinople, Alexander became an
officer in the Roman army. Challenged by Jesus’ words to the rich young ruler
from Matthew 19:21, Akimites sold his possessions and retreated from court life
to the desert. Tradition states that after seven years of solitude, he set fire
to a pagan temple. Upon arrest and imprisonment Alexander converted the prison
governor and his household, and promptly returned to his abode in the desert.
Shortly thereafter he had the misfortune to fall in with a group of robbers. His
evangelistic zeal however could not be contained and he converted these outcasts
into devoted followers of Jesus. This group became the core of his band of
monks.
In around 400 AD, he returned to Constantinople with 300-400 monks, where he
established laus perennis (perpetual praise) to fulfill Paul’s exhortation in 1
Thessalonians 5: 17. Driven from Constantinople, the monks established the
monastery at Gormon, at the mouth of the Black Sea. This became the founding
monastery of the order of the Acoemetae (literally “the sleepless ones”).
Alexander died here in 430 however the influence of the Acoemetae continued. The
houses were divided into six choirs and rotated the choirs throughout the day,
each new choir relieving the one before, continuing uninterrupted twenty-four
hours a day.
John, the second abbot of the Acoemetae, founded another monastery on the
eastern shore of the Bosphorus, referred to in many ancient documents as the
“great monastery” and motherhouse of the Acoemetae. The library here was
recognized for its greatness throughout the Byzantine Empire and indeed was
consulted by several popes. The third abbot established a monastery in the
capital under the royal consul Studius, who dedicated the new monastery to John
the Baptist. Studion became a renowned center of learning and piety and the most
important monastery in Constantinople. Studion continued until 1453 when the
Turks captured Constantinople.
The lasting impact of the Acoematae has been their worship and their
contribution to church liturgy. The monasteries, which numbered into the
hundreds and sometimes thousands, were organized into national groups of Latins,
Greeks, Syrians and Egyptians and then into choirs. In addition to Laus Perennis,
which passed into the western church with St Maurice of Agaune, they developed
the divine office of the literal carrying out of Ps 119: 164, “Seven times a day
I praise You, Because of Your righteous judgments.” This became an integral part
of the Benedictine rule of the seven hours of prayer – prime, tierce, sext,
none, vespers, compline, matins and lauds.
B. Agaunum
In around 522 Abbot Ambrosius brought attention to a small monastery founded
in Switzerland. Legend had it that around 286 AD, a Theban Legion under the
command of a certain Maurice de Valois was sent to suppress a rebellion by Gauls
in the North of the empire. On their way to Gaul, the Coptic Christians were
encamped at Agaunum, in present day Switzerland, where they were ordered to
sacrifice to Roman Gods and to the Emperor in petition for victory. Maurice and
his Theban Legion refused. The Roman Emperor Maximian ordered a “decimation” of
the legion of 7000; one in every ten men were killed. When Maurice and his men
continued their refusal, a second decimation was ordered. Finally the entire
seven thousand Egyptian Christians were martyred.
Although the veracity of the story has been called into question, the legend of
the martyrs at Agaunum spread far and wide. Between 515 and 521, Sigismund, King
of Burgundy, lavishly endowed the monastery established at the site of the
martyrdom to ensure its success. In 522, the abbot at St Maurice’s instituted
the Laus Perennis or “perpetual psalmody” after the tradition of the Acoemetae.
Choirs of monks would sing in rotation, with one choir relieving the previous
choir, thus to continue day and night. This practice went on until around 900AD,
impacting monasteries all over France and Switzerland.
IV. Comgall and Bangor
The most celebrated of all medieval maps, the “Mappa Mundi” contains
reference to a place on the edge of the known world – Bangor. Why should this
small out of the way place, now a dormitory coastal town fifteen miles from the
Northern Irish capital of Belfast, have become so important in medieval times?
A. St Patrick and Vallis Angelorum
Monasticism in Britain and Ireland developed along similar lines to those of
the Desert Fathers of the East. St Patrick’s mother was a close relative of
Martin of Tours, a contemporary of St Antony, the father of Monasticism. It is
no surprise that the same type of asceticism which accompanied the monastic
lifestyle in Egypt was also found in Ireland.
In 433AD, just as the Roman Empire was starting to crumble, St Patrick returned
to Ireland (after having previously been enslaved on the island) with a view to
preach the Christian message to the Irish. He was followed by a number of other
ascetics – Finnian, Bridgid and Ciaran, all of whom established monastic centers
throughout the island. Christianity in much of the empire had been founded upon
Bishops overlooking cities and urban centers, Ireland had never been conquered
and had no urban centers. The fall of the empire therefore had little impact on
it and it was relatively easy for monasteries to become the centers of influence
in Irish society.
According to the 12th century Anglo Norman Monk Jocelin, on one of Patrick’s
many journeys, he came to rest in a valley on the shores of the Belfast Lough.
Here he and his comrades beheld a vision of heaven. Jocelin states “they held
the valley filled with heavenly light, and with a multitude of heaven, they
heard, as chanted forth from the voice of angels, the psalmody of the celestial
choir”. The place became known as the “Vallis Angelorum” or the “Vale of
Angels”. Around 100 years later the famed Bangor Monastery would begin its life
here. From this spot heaven’s song would reach into Europe.
B Introducing Comgall
Bangor’s founder, Comgall was born in Antrim in 517. Originally a soldier, he
soon took monastic vows and was educated for his new life. He is next seen in
the Irish annals as a hermit on Lough Erne, however his rule was so severe that
seven of the monks died. He was persuaded to leave and establish a house at
Bangor (or “Beannchar” – from Irish “Horned Curve” probably in reference to the
bay) in the famed “Vale of the Angels”. The earliest Irish annals give 558 as
the date of Bangor’s commencement.
C. Bangor Mor and Perpetual Psalmody
At Bangor, Comgall instituted a rigid monastic rule of incessant prayer and
fasting. Far from turning people away, this ascetic rule attracted thousands.
When Comgall died in 602, the annals report that 3000 monks looked to him for
guidance. Bangor Mor, “the great Bangor” (to distinguish it from its British
contemporaries), became the greatest monastic school in Ulster. It was also one
of the three leading lights of Celtic Christianity; the others being Iona, the
great missionary center founded by Colomba, and Bangor on the Dee, founded by
Dinooth, (the ancient Welsh Triads also confirm the “Perpetual Harmonies” at
this great house1).
Throughout the sixth century, Bangor became famous for its choral psalmody; “it
was this music which was carried to the Continent by the Bangor Missionaries in
the following century” (Hamilton, Rector of Bangor Abbey). Divine services of
the seven hours of prayer were carried out throughout Bangor’s existence,
however the monks went further and carried out the practice of Laus Perennis. In
the twelfth century, Bernard of Clairvaux spoke of Comgall and Bangor, stating
“the solemnization of divine offices was kept up by companies, who relieved each
other in succession, so that not for one moment day and night was there an
intermission of their devotions”. This continuous singing was antiphonal in
nature, perhaps reminiscent of Patrick’s vision, but also practiced by St
Martin’s houses in Gaul. Many of these Psalms and hymns were later written down
in the Antiphonary of Bangor which came to reside in Colombanus’ monastery at
Bobbio, Italy.
D. The Bangor Missionaries
The ascetic life of prayer and fasting were the attractions of Bangor.
However, as time progressed, Bangor also became a famed seat of learning and
education. There was a saying in Europe at the time that if a man knew Greek he
was bound to be an Irishman, largely due to the influence of Bangor. The
monastery further became a missions sending community. Even to this day
missionary societies are based in the town. Bangor Monks appear throughout
medieval literature as a force for good.
In 580, Mirin, a Bangor monk, took Christianity to Paisley, where he died “full
of miracles and holiness”. In 590, the fiery Colombanus, one of Comgall’s
leaders set out from Bangor with twelve other brothers (including Gall, who
planted monasteries throughout Switzerland). In Burgundy he established a severe
monastic rule at Luxeil, which mirrored that of Bangor. From here he went to
Bobbio in Italy and established the house there which became one of the largest
and finest monasteries in Europe. Colombanus died in 615, but by 700 AD, 100
additional monasteries had been planted throughout France, Germany and
Switzerland. Other famed missionary monks who went out from Bangor include Molua,
Findchua and Luanus.
E. The End of Greatness
The greatness of Bangor came to a close in 824, with raids from the marauding
Vikings. In one raid alone, 900 monks were slaughtered. Although the twelfth
century saw a resurrection of the fire of Comgall initiated by Malachy (a close
friend of Bernard of Clairvaux, who wrote Malachy’s Life). It unfortunately
never had the same impact as the early Celtic firebrands who stayed the tide of
darkness and societal collapse bringing God to a broken generation.
V. Cluny
In the ninth and tenth century, Viking raiders and settlers were violently
forging a new way of life in Europe. Feudalism was taking root and the monastic
way of life was shaken – not only by the physical attacks (such as Bangor
experienced), but subsequent to the raids many houses were subject to the whims
of local chieftains. In reaction to this movement reform was needed. It came
about in several ways. One of the most crucial reforming movements in the
western church was the Cluniac order.
In 910, William the Pious, the Duke of Aquataine, founded the monastery at Cluny
under the auspices of Abbot Berno, who instituted a new stricter form of the
Benedictine rule. William endowed the Abbey with resources from his entire
domain, but more importantly gave the Abbey freedom in two regards. Due to the
financial endowment, the Abbey was committed to increased prayer; perpetual
praise or laus perennis. Its autonomy from secular leadership was also important
as the abbey was directly accountable to the church in Rome.
The second abbot, Odo took over in 926. According to CH Lawrence he was "a
living embodiment of the Benedictine ideal". His reforming zeal meant that
during his leadership the influence of the Cluny expanded widely. Known for its
independence, hospitality and alms giving, Cluny significantly departed from the
Benedictine rule as it removed manual labor from a monk’s day and replaced it
with increased prayer. The number of monastic houses which looked to Cluny as
their motherhouse increased greatly during this period, and the influence of the
house spread all over Europe.
Cluny reached the zenith of its power and influence in the twelfth century, it
commanded 314 monasteries all over Europe, second only to Rome in terms of
importance in the Christian world. It became a seat of learning, training no
less than four Popes. The fast growing community at Cluny also meant there was a
great need for buildings. The Abbey at Cluny commenced under Hugh, the sixth
abbot, in 1089, was finished in 1131-32. It was considered one of the wonders of
the Middle Ages. More than 555 feet in length, it was the largest building in
Europe until St. Peter's Basilica was built at Rome in the sixteenth century.
Consisting of five naves, a narthex, or ante-church, and several towers,
together with the conventual buildings it covered an area of twenty-five acres.
However it is interesting to note that the decline in spirituality even before
these great building projects, led to the ultimate demise of Cluny’s influence.
VI. Zinzendorf and the Moravians
A. Zinzendorf’s Early Years
The Reformation of the sixteenth century saw much needed reform enter the
European church also seeing the closure of many monasteries which had become
spiritually dead. The next great champion of 24/7 prayer did not appear until
the start of the eighteenth century - Count Nicholas Ludwig Von Zinzendorf.
Zinzendorf was born in 1700 to an aristocratic, but pious family. His father
died when he was only six weeks old. The young boy was therefore brought up by
his grandmother, herself a well known leader of the Pietist movement and
friendly with the established leader of the Pietists and young Zinzendorf’s
Godfather – Phillipp Spener. Growing up in the midst of such passion for Jesus,
Zinzendorf speaks of his early childhood as a time of great piety - “In my
fourth year I began to seek God earnestly, and determined to become a true
servant of Jesus Christ”
From the age of 10, Young Zinzendorf was tutored at the Pietist school of Halle
under the watchful eye of Augustus Francke, another leader of the Pietists. He
here formed a school club which lasted all his life: “The Honourable Order of
the Mustard Seed”. After several years at Halle, Zinzendorf’s uncle considered
the young count too much of a Pietist and had him sent to Wittenberg to learn
jurisprudence, so that he might be prepared for court life. Soon the young Count
was in various different society circles in Europe. He would keep these
connections for the rest of his life, and they would be a force for good,
however his job in the Dresden Court and future plans for Saxon Court life as
the Secretary of State would not find fulfillment.
B. The Moravians and Herrnhut
In 1722, Zinzendorf bought the Berthelsdorf Estate from his grandmother and
installed a Pietistic Preacher in the local Lutheran Church. The same year
Zinzendorf came into contact with a Moravian preacher, Christian David, who
persuaded the young count of the sufferings of the persecuted Protestants in
Moravia. These Moravians known as the Unitas Fratrum were the remains of the
John Huss’ followers in Bohemia. Since the 1600s, these saints had suffered
under the hands of successive repressive Catholic monarchs. Zinzendorf offered
them asylum on his lands. Christian David returned to Bohemia and brought many
to settle on Zinzendorf’s estate, forming the community of Herrnhut – the “Watch
of the Lord”. The community quickly grew to around 300. However due to divisions
and tensions in the infant community, Zinzendorf gave up his court position and
became the leader of the brethren, instituting a new constitution for the
community.
C. The 100 Year Prayer Meeting and Missions
A new spirituality now characterized the community, with men and women being
committed to bands or choruses to encourage one another in the life of God.
August 1727 is seen as the Moravian Pentecost. Zinzendorf said that 13th August
was "a day of the outpourings of the Holy Spirit upon the congregation; it was
its Pentecost." Within two weeks of the outpouring 24 men and 24 women
covenanted to pray “hourly intercessions”, thus praying every hour around the
clock. They were committed to see that “The fire must be kept burning on the
altar continuously; it must not go out” (Lev 6:13). The numbers committed to
this endeavor soon increased to around 70 from the community. This prayer
meeting would go non-stop for the next 100 years and is seen by many as the
spiritual power behind the impact that the Moravians had on the world.
From the prayer room at Herrnhut came a missionary zeal that has hardly been
surpassed in church history. The spark initially came from Zinzendorf’s
encounter in Denmark with Eskimos that had been converted by Lutherans. The
Count returned to Herrnhut and conveyed his passion to see the Gospel go to the
nations. As a result, many of the community went out into the world to preach
the gospel, some even selling themselves into slavery in order to fulfill the
great commission. This commitment is shown by a simple statistic; Typically,
when it comes to world missions the Protestant laity to missionary ratio has
been 5000:1, the Moravians however saw a much increased ratio - 60:1. By 1776,
some 226 missionaries had been sent out from the community at Herrnhut. It is
clear through the teaching of the so called “Father of Modern Missions”, William
Carey, that the Moravians had a profound impact on him with regard to their zeal
for missionary activity. It is also through the missionary-minded Moravians that
John Wesley came to faith. The impact of this little community in Saxony
committed to seek the face of the Lord day and night has been truly
immeasurable.
VII. 24/7 Prayer in the 20th Century
In 1973 David Yonggi Cho, Pastor of the Yoido Full Gospel Church
in Seoul South Korea established a Prayer Mountain with day and night prayer.
The Prayer Mountain was soon attracting over a million visitors per year, as
people would spend retreats in the prayer cells provided on the mountain. Cho
had a commitment to continuous prayer, faith and establishing small discipleship
cells in his church. Perhaps as a result, Cho’s church rapidly expanded to
become the largest church congregation on the globe, with membership now over
780,000.
September 19, 1999, saw the International House of Prayer in Kansas City,
Missouri start a prayer and worship meeting that has continued for 24 hours a
day 7 days a week ever since. With a similar vision to Zinzendorf, that the fire
on the altar should never go out, there has never been a time when worship and
prayer has not ascended to heaven since that date.
At the same time at other places around the globe, God placed desires and plans
for 24/7 prayer resulting in 24/7 Houses of Prayer and Prayer Mountains in all
the continents of the Earth.
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