The 2024 International Prayer Academy (IPA), hosted by Gethsemane Prayer Ministries International in Eleyele, Ibadan, came to an end on Saturday September 21, 2024 with a spiritually charged atmosphere, leaving a lasting impact on all participants.
The prayer school, held from September 16 to 21, attracted attendees from various parts of the country and different denominations, all united in a shared goal of deepening their relationship with God through intense prayer.
The theme of this year’s academy was “Fresh Prayer Fire for Better Performance in Life.” For many participants, the week-long programme was a transformative experience, bringing self-actualization and spiritual renewal.
The Prayer Academy began with soul-lifting worship and powerful teachings by the Director of the Prayer School, Pastor Bayo Owoseni, in a vibrant and serene atmosphere. Participants arrived with high expectations, and the tranquil environment of the World Prayer Center proved to be the perfect setting for this spiritual gathering.
Upon arrival, participants were warmly welcomed by the ministry’s workers, who provided them with registration materials as they settled into the magnificent church building prepared for the event.
The opening ceremony, led by the General Overseer and President of the Prayer Academy, Rev. Dr. Moses Aransiola, set the tone for the week. His inspiring teachings focused on acquiring “prayer fire” for better performance in life, drawing on relevant Bible passages to support his teachings and message.
Recalled that Rev. (Dr) Aransiola declared opened the 31st edition of the IPA with blowing of Shofar Trumpet, an exercise he described as spiritually symbolic to the programme.
He emphasized the urgency of raising prayer warriors across the globe, encouraging participants to prepare their hearts for a life-changing encounter with God. He explained, “The Academy is not just about learning how to pray, but about experiencing transformation that will ignite your lives, ministries, and the nation.”
Known for his prophetic anointing, Dr. Aransiola led participants in stirring teachings, prophetic declarations, and intense prayers. Many received words of knowledge that boosted their faith, and several shared testimonies of instant healing, breakthroughs in longstanding issues, and profound encounters with God.
The evening sessions featured worship led by the Gethsemane Praise Team, followed by impactful teachings from guest speakers such as Apostle Michael Orokpo, Pastor Yomi Ademuwagun, Pastor Daniel Olawande, and Apostle Seth Akhilele. They, along with home pastors like Pastor Bayo Owoseni and Rev. (Dr.) Olanrewaju Hezekiah, taught participants the fundamentals of prayer and the importance of acquiring ” Fresh Prayer Fire For Better Performance.”
The remaining days of the Academy were marked by deep teachings and fervent prayer sessions. Each day began with dawn worship and prayer, highlighting the efficacy of “prayer fire.” Guest ministers like Apostle Akhilele and Pastor Olawande emphasized the importance of understanding spiritual warfare, with practical sessions on using Scripture in warfare prayers.
One of the programme’s highlight was a powerful workshop on intercession, which included specialized sessions on personal revival, corporate prayer strategies, and prophetic intercession. These intimate sessions allowed leaders to guide participants through intense prayers, preparing them for future spiritual battles.
A key moment during the Academy was the presentation of prizes to IPA groups that excelled in their group studies, fostering a warm and worshipful atmosphere. On the final day, September 21, a solemn yet joyful thanksgiving service took place, where participants shared testimonies of how God had touched their lives throughout the week.
One participant from the Church of God Mission shared how she had felt spiritually renewed and returned with fresh fire for her ministry after attending the Academy.
Rev. Aransiola delivered the closing message, reminding attendees that while the Academy had ended, their prayer journey was only beginning. He charged them to apply what they had learned in their personal lives, families, churches, and nations. He also charged them to be disciplined and consecrate their live for spiritual standard. His message was a call to action, urging everyone to remain relentless in their pursuit of God and to serve as watchmen over their nations.
In a symbolic moment, participants were commissioned as “Prayer Warriors and Intercessors,” with Rev. Aransiola laying hands on them. This powerful and emotional ceremony marked their commitment to continue the work of intercession in their ministries, communities, and homes.
The final session concluded with a corporate prayer and anointing service, sealing the spiritual work that had been accomplished throughout the week. Participants departed the serene environment of Gethsemane Prayer Ministries with a deep sense of fulfillment.
The 2024 International Prayer Academy not only achieved its goal of equipping believers with prayer fire but also sparked a movement that will extend beyond Nigeria’s borders. Several attendees expressed their desire to return for future editions, while others spoke of starting prayer groups and ministries in their home countries. The Academy birthed new visions, strengthened existing ones, and reignited a passion for prayer in the hearts of many.
In conclusion, the 2024 International Prayer Academy at Gethsemane Prayer Ministries International was more than just an event—it was a divine encounter. As the sun set on September 21, it marked the beginning of a new dawn for those who attended, with ripple effects that will undoubtedly be felt across the world.
