This blog is devoted to prayer. Specifically, calling the church to the priority of prayer, putting Prayer First. The name comes from Paul's letter to Timothy, in which he wrote, "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people..." (ESV)

My name is Dana. I serve as Director of Prayer First, the prayer mobilization ministry of the Baptist General Conference. I also serve on the executive committee of the National Prayer Committee (U.S.A.) and as chair of the Denominational Prayer Leaders Network. Most of my ministry is devoted to biblical preaching and teaching on the subjects of prayer, renewal, worship, and Paul's command to "be filled with the Spirit." Right now, much of my time and effort is going into the spiritual renewal focus called Fire & Reign, which has been embraced by 160+ churches so far, with more coming. Dr. Jerry Sheveland, my friend and the President of the BGC, wrote the workbook for Fire & Reign, and I was privileged to work on the call to fasting and prayer which is part of the focus. I also coordinate the effort to help each F & R church have a spiritual renewal weekend, with a guest Bible teacher. More on Fire & Reign can be found at www.bgcworld.org when you click on the appropriate box.

I have a wife of 23 years, Christa, and three daughters. Soon one of my daughters will leave the nest to attend a Christian university in Tennessee. My oldest daughter has a lifelong physical disability, and as a result we are very active in the family retreat ministry of Joni and Friends, the disability ministry of Joni Eareckson Tada. Joni is one of our family heroes. We highly recommend the family retreat ministry for any family dealing with disability. More on that subject can be found at www.joniandfriends.org when you click on family retreats.

I am inspired to try this blog by friends who are doing it. I don't know what I am doing. If I am messing up and you can help me, please let me know. Let this be our prayer for the church in America today:

Awake, O sleeper,
And arise from the dead,
And Christ will shine on you.