The United House of Prayer For All People ®

of the Church on the Rock of the Apostolic Faith

House of Prayer Etiquette

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations" (Psalm 100:4-5 ). 

The service at the United House of Prayer For All People is a joyous gathering for worship and prayer to the almighty God in spirit and in truth for all people irrespective of race, creed, or color. Upon arrival at the United House of Prayer, depending on the location of service, the front two side doors or the side doors of the building will be open for your entrance. You may inquire once inside about the location of the Sanctuary.

Upon entering the Sanctuary, you may be escorted by an usher to a seat. If not, you may enter the side doors and access a seat from the side aisles (normally the middle aisle is for special and sacred purposes only). If no seats are available, you may stand in one of the side aisles or in the back (there may also be a balcony or another viewing sanctuary available if you prefer to have a seat). Oftentimes, you may observe that individuals entering the Sanctuary will go to the Mountain (altar) to pray and then proceed to their seats as is our custom.

When the service starts, scripture and prayer will be given. Please do not walk or talk during these sacred moments. Afterwards, testimony service is a time allotted for all who wish to give God special thanks for His mighty acts and miracles. If one desires, they may come and join the testimony line to share their testimony with the congregation.

Everyone present is welcome to join in the spirit of joy and glorify God to the highest. To sing, shout, dance, give and do all things in decency and in order according to the gift of God is encouraged. Please do not entertain any unnecessary conversation while present in the Sanctuary. You are welcome to stand and join us in prayer and in song.

If at all possible, please avoid leaving or disrupting the preaching of the Word of God. At the benediction (closing) of the service, you are invited to come to the Mountain (altar) for prayer and God's blessing. Upon kneeling in thanks and in respect at the benediction, please greet and fellowship with one another after service.

"Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. 2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few" (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2).

Please observe the following practices when entering the Sanctuary:

1) No cell phones or communication devices

(please turn them off).

2) No eating, chewing, or drinking in the Sanctuary.

3) Please wear proper attire when entering the Sanctuary.

4) No unauthorized picture taking or videotaping in the Sanctuary.

5) Please respect sacred areas of prayer and honor to God.

The Honorable Bishop C. M. Bailey, Leader