“Did you know that Baghdad was once called Madinat Al- Salam, city of peace? Maybe that’s it’s God given destiny, maybe if we agree with God, we can change history,” the website says.

Answering the question, ‘Why pray?’ the site’s organizers respond: “Because of the events that surround Baghdad, you will probably never have a better opportunity to change the course of world history than you do right now.”

They add: “Forces of both good and evil are locked in battle for Baghdad. Just a few short months will determine the fate of that city, it’s 6 million inhabitants, and it’s on-going influence in that region and the world.

“The good people of Baghdad have stepped up to put their lives on the line as leaders for democracy and freedom. Soldiers from around the world are laying down their lives, and the Baghdad police are spilling their blood to see their countrymen live in peace.”

But, according to the site, “this is not enough, and the tug of war for Baghdad will be lost if believers like you and me don’t step up to our spiritual responsibility and join the battle. Others are doing all they can, are we doing what we can?

“If you are a believer then you understand that political, military, and humanitarian efforts are only part of the picture. Rees Howells, a prayer leader that impacted the outcome of WWII, once said, ‘History belongs to the intercessor’ if that’s true, then the future also belongs to the Intercessor.”

The site’s organizers issue a challenge. They ask: “How about it? Will you stand with us on the mountain of prayer as Moses did in the day of battle, (Ex 17:8) making your mark on history and seeing God’s will be done in Baghdad?”

A media release says those joining the website’s prayer project receive a daily e-mail assignment specifying a geographic and spiritual need. Participants also receive a satellite map with close up views of Baghdad neighborhoods designated as hot spots for prayer.

Dillard, an ordained minister of the Vineyard Christian Fellowship, emphasizes that the project is spiritual, not political, in nature. “We all want this conflict to be over,” he said. “Through prayer we can make a difference. We can help our soldiers accomplish their mission so that they can come home.”

The website also posts prayers submitted by participants for the troops in Iraq. Information on the Baghdad Prayer Patrol is available at www.prayercentral.net/baghdad.