The Mount Zion Prayerline will celebrate their fifth year of prayer and praise with a spirit-filled two-day revival on April 24-25, 2025

The Mount Zion Prayerline will celebrate their fifth year of prayer and praise with a spirit-filled two-day revival on April 24-25, 2025 at 6:00 pm.  The prayer line was founded by Mother Elma Horton during Covid. Bishop Gregory B. Payton, Senior Pastor of the Greater Saint John Missionary Baptist Church in Oakland, CA, for the past 20 years, will be the guest preacher. Bishop Payton is a humble under shepherd, a dynamic orator, motivator, advisor, administrator, businessman, lecturer, teacher, and coach. He is a renowned leader, visionary, and revivalist and one of the premiere voices in ministry today.

His energetic preaching has inspired, informed, instructed, convicted, and changed the hearts of many people to give their lives to Jesus Christ.

“Pastor Payton was an early participant on the prayer line, said Mother Horton. “He receives invitations to preach all the time, and I am so happy he agreed to come to Mount Zion so we can hear him in person.”  

In 2002, he preached a revival in Seattle when an employee of McNeil Island Correctional Facility was inspired to connect him to the inmates. Pastor Payton impacted the lives of over 300 incarcerated men who heard his powerful messages of reconciliation and hope. 

Pastor Payton is a Christ-centered, passionate man who loves his family and God’s people. A native of Oakland, California, he grew up in the impoverished West Oakland community and is the eldest of nine children. His parents,  Mr. Alfred & Mrs. Annie Payton,  provided a stable and loving foundation,  giving their children the gift of Christ.  He was raised in the historic St. John Missionary Baptist Church and felt God’s tug on his heart at an early age.  

Educated in Oakland and Concord public schools, he attended San Francisco State University, Golden State School of Theology and received his Doctorate from Saint Thomas University.  He is a devoted father and grandfather who has made a lasting impression and continues to do so for his community and future generations.

He is also an avid sports fan, supporting his NBA All-Star baby brother, Gary Payton, Sr., and nephew, Gary Payton II’s careers.   

“Mark your calendar, invite your family and friends, and come prepared for a blessing,” said  Mother Horton, Prayer Line Founder and Revival Coordinator. The revival will be held in the Mount Zion Baptist Church Sanctuary, 1634 Rev. Dr. S. McKinney Avenue (19th and E. Madison St.) Seattle, WA 98122.