our story
BEGINNINGS
House of Prayer Edmonton (HoPE) traces its beginnings back to October 31, 2003, when the first 24-hour prayer gathering was held in the basement space of The Canopy Christian Community. In a broader sense, the foundation for HoPE started even earlier through prayer gatherings and spiritual vision that led to its formation.
In 1999, Jim Hall and others from Edmonton attended a Harp and Bowl conference in Kelowna, British Columbia, where they encountered the Harp and Bowl prayer model associated with the International House of Prayer in Kansas City (IHOP-KC).
By fall 2000, a small group began holding weekly Harp and Bowl prayer meetings in Edmonton. After two years of meeting together, a team from this group visited IHOP-KC in 2001.
In March 2002, a Fragrant Incense conference in Edmonton — focused on casting vision for a house of prayer — had a powerful impact on many attendees.
In January 2003, Jim Hall planted The Canopy Christian Community. That fall, on October 31, the church held its first monthly 24-hour worship and prayer gathering — the launch of what soon became known as House of Prayer Edmonton.
These gatherings at The Canopy continued until September 2005, when it became clear that a broader, citywide ministry would require a new location due to participation and logistical challenges.
EXPANSION AND NEW LOCATIONS
In fall 2005, HoPE relocated to the Vanguard College campus in north Edmonton. A new prayer room was constructed on the rooftop of the college, offering a panoramic view across the city.
That same year, HoPE hosted another Fragrant Incense conference with speaker Noel Alexander, further laying spiritual foundations for future ministry.
Citywide Prayer
In early 2006, with a federal election called for January, HoPE invited churches across Edmonton to join a week of 24-hour intercession leading up to the election.
This marked the first time in city history that 24/7 prayer was maintained in one location for seven days, concluding with a large evening of worship and prayer attended by about 150 people from across the city.
continuing growth
Throughout the years on the Vanguard campus, monthly 24-hour worship and prayer gatherings continued in two-hour blocks. However, the campus location proved difficult for newcomers to find, which led to another opportunity in 2008when HoPE began meeting at the Chapel in West Edmonton Mall.
In March 2008, following the citywide The CRY event, leaders sensed it was time to transition from a monthly to a weekly worship and prayer format. Starting in May 2008, HoPE began meeting every Friday night (7–9 PM) for worship and intercession, with the third Friday of each month remaining a 24-hour event.
Expanded Prayer and New facility
In July 2009, Jim Hall became HoPE’s first full-time intercessory missionary. In October 2009, HoPE launched the Nine to Noon initiative, staffing the prayer room with worship and prayer from 9 AM to 12 noon each weekday.
In October 2012, HoPE moved from Marketplace Chapel to share facilities with Victory Church on the Rock, offering a larger space for worship teams and staff.
October 31, 2013 marked HoPE’s 10-year anniversary. To celebrate, HoPE partnered with Resurgence Ministries to host Edmonton’s first BURN — 50 hours of continuous corporate worship. Hundreds participated from Edmonton and beyond. What began as a one-time event has since become a yearly highlight.
24/7 Prayer
From September 28 to October 3, 2015, in partnership with the Edmonton Area Ministerial Association, HoPE hosted 24/7 prayer for a federal election, called The Assembly. More than 40 churches and local ministries participated over six days, with a cumulative attendance of about 1,400 people — making it one of the longest prayer events in Edmonton’s history.