I Go to the Salvation Army

The Mercy Seat

The mercy seat, or penitent form, is a long polished wooden bench in front of the platform. It is an important part of every Salvation Army citadel. Here people can kneel if they feel the need to ask God for his help and guidance, to seek his forgiveness if they have done wrong, or to make special promises. Many make their first decision to follow Jesus and live a Christian life, kneeling here. This experience is called conversion. Salvationists believe that, while people can be near to God in any place, it is helpful to share such important moments with friends who will encourage them.

During most meetings a special time of prayer is set aside when people are invited to kneel at the mercy seat.

Sometimes a person might feel moved to go forward at other times. An experienced Christian counsels any people seeking help and prays with them there.

Apart from this unique feature, the rest of the body of the hall is filled with rows of chairs.