What is the International House of Prayer?

Overview

The International House of Prayer (often abbreviated as IHOPKC) is a ministry organization founded in Kansas City, Missouri, in late 1999. It is best known for its practice of 24/7 prayer and worship, in which teams rotate around the clock to offer continuous adoration and intercession. Although its prayer room has been active around the clock since its inception, IHOPKC also emphasizes missions, theological training, and spiritual growth. Over time, it has drawn participants from around the globe who are drawn to prayer, worship, and dedicated study of the Scriptures.

Founding and Historical Development

In 1999, Mike Bickle, alongside a small team of fellow believers, began hosting round-the-clock prayer in Kansas City. Inspired by passages like Isaiah 56:7, “My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations,” they desired to establish a place of continuous worship and intercession.

Initially, the ministry operated in a small setting, seeking to emulate expressions of prayer found throughout church history, as well as biblical examples seen prominently in both the Old (e.g., 1 Chronicles 9:33) and New Testaments (e.g., Acts 2:42). Over the next several years, IHOPKC expanded by establishing worship teams, teaching programs, conferences, and a more formal organizational structure. Though the small beginnings were modest, the ministry’s reach grew through streaming prayer sets online, inviting visitors to join in extended times of corporate intercession, and launching a Bible school to train future leaders.

Primary Emphasis: 24/7 Prayer and Worship

One of IHOPKC’s defining practices is its continuous prayer model. Throughout the day and night, teams of worshipers and intercessors rotate to maintain a live praise and prayer environment. This approach is often supported by the teaching that believers are called to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). This model reflects a conviction that constant worship on earth mirrors the heavenly worship scene described in passages like Revelation 4:8–11.

Many participants attest that such consistent communal worship stirs faith, cultivates intimacy with God, and underscores the belief that prayer is powerful. From a practical standpoint, the organization divides the day into two-hour segments, during which worship leaders, musicians, and prayer leaders facilitate corporate prayer, singing, Scripture reading, and exhortation.

Theology and Core Beliefs

IHOPKC’s theological perspective aligns with evangelical Christianity, emphasizing key doctrines such as the resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3–4), the inerrancy and authority of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16–17), and the belief in the Holy Spirit’s present-day activity (Acts 2:17–18). Central to its mission is the teaching that Christ’s return will be preceded by a glorious Church, dedicated wholeheartedly to worship, holiness, and evangelism.

While IHOPKC is frequently associated with charismatic teachings, including the continuation of the spiritual gifts described in 1 Corinthians 12, it also places strong emphasis on biblical exegesis and study. Students and staff engage in systematic teaching that explores the whole counsel of the Word, adhering to the belief that the Bible is accurate and reliable.

Biblical Foundations of Prayer and Worship

Biblical support for a house of prayer is drawn from many Scriptures:

• Isaiah 56:7 – “My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.”

• Matthew 21:13 – “It is written, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer.’”

• Revelation 5:8 – Depicts the prayers of the saints rising before the throne of God.

IHOPKC also references numerous Psalms, as they provide a template for unceasing praise. For example, Psalm 141:2 expresses the desire for prayer to be set before God like incense—an image mirrored in many corporate prayer gatherings.

Spiritual Practices and Programs

IHOPKC offers worship gatherings, Bible classes, internships, and evangelism-focused outreaches. Their main activities include the following:

1. Worship and Music: Worship teams lead musical praise, following patterns reminiscent of the biblical Tabernacle of David (1 Chronicles 23:5). These times often merge spontaneous singing with Scripture reading, aimed at engaging both heart and mind.

2. Intercession: Various prayer “formats” are used, such as intercession for global missions, community needs, political leaders, and unreached people groups (1 Timothy 2:1–4). Specific times may focus on praying for revival or healing based on the New Testament’s emphasis on prayer for one another (James 5:16).

3. Teaching and Training: A formal seminary-level training school, known as the International House of Prayer University (IHOPU), provides biblical instruction. Students from diverse backgrounds study hermeneutics, church history, biblical languages, and practical ministry.

4. Missions and Outreach: The ministry encourages evangelistic efforts both locally and internationally. Influenced by Christ’s Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20), teams are often sent out to share the gospel, undergirded by intercessory support from the prayer room.

Doctrinal Affinities and Distinctions

• Eschatological Expectation: IHOPKC holds a heightened focus on end-time prophecy, urging believers to be watchful and prepared (Matthew 24:42–44). This often includes teaching on the urgency of prayer in the last days, paralleling Jesus’ instructions to “keep watch.”

• Gifts of the Spirit: Participants frequently practice and encourage the gifts described in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14, believing them to remain applicable for edifying the Church today.

• Christ-Centered Worship: A core emphasis is the enthronement of Jesus in worship, echoing the heavenly scene in Revelation 4–5. Many prayer sets focus on themes of honoring Christ as Lord and responding faithfully to His reign.

Critiques and Controversies

Some outside critics question the ministry’s emphasis on end-time themes, claiming it can lead to an overly narrow focus. Others raise concerns about the intensity of the prayer culture or potential confusion between emotional experiences and genuine spiritual growth.

Additionally, debates occasionally arise about discerning modern-day prophetic utterances or the interpretation of certain passages. IHOPKC leaders typically address these concerns by highlighting their commitment to biblical accountability, proclaiming that all personal words or revelations must be tested against Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:20–21).

Relationship with the Broader Christian Community

IHOPKC hosts regular conferences that invite leaders from various denominational backgrounds. While it remains closely associated with charismatic streams, many pastors and organizations throughout the evangelical world attend summits, worship events, and training workshops to foster unity and mutual encouragement.

The presence of continuous worship, combined with theological teaching, has prompted a range of responses in the Christian community—from enthusiastic support and partnership to cautious observation. Nevertheless, the ministry’s stated goal remains to serve the broader body of Christ by calling believers to prayer and devotion to Scriptural truth.

Scriptural Foundations and Historicity

The call to maintain a house of prayer rests on the conviction that Scripture is accurate and reliable, a position upheld by extensive manuscript evidence and historical testimony. Archeological discoveries, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, have affirmed the Old Testament’s reliable transmission across centuries. Likewise, decades of scholarly research by textual critics (including the compilation of nearly 6,000 Greek New Testament manuscripts) have undergirded confidence in the New Testament’s fidelity. These findings bolster IHOPKC’s claim that one can trust the biblical exhortations to constant prayer and worship, testifying that the text remains intact and authoritative.

Practical Implications and Influence

IHOPKC’s prayer model has inspired similar ministries worldwide. Churches and prayer groups often replicate elements of 24/7 worship and establish online streams to interconnect. Many devotees point to growth in personal faith, deeper understanding of Scripture, and support for global missions as fruits of sustained prayer. The organization’s influence is also seen in worship music, as original songs have been composed and recorded by musicians trained in the prayer room setting.

Conclusion

The International House of Prayer (IHOPKC) stands out as a distinctive ministry that merges continual prayer, worship, and biblical teaching. Beginning with a simple commitment to uphold “a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:7), it now includes a global network of believers, prayer rooms, and educational programs.

While some of its emphases—such as end-time readiness and ongoing charismatic gifts—have generated debate, the movement’s central focus remains on Christ, the reliability of Scripture, and the power of unceasing devotion. For many, the organization provides a place of spiritual enrichment, communal worship, and active intercession, carrying forward the biblical mandate for believers to stand watch in prayer and glorify God in all aspects of life.