Prayer is maybe the most essential element in being the Church. When we try to make decisions, to prioritize program and values, to overcome our discouragements, without talking to God, we are going to find out how often we waste time and money. When we try to be kind, forgiving, energetic and wise without talking to God, we get angry, make mistakes and cause frustration and disappointment. We also begin to realize a kind of weakness to our life as the Church.
We are also keenly aware of the many people in our church and in our world who are fighting difficult physical, mental, financial or other battles. Jesus taught us to never give up praying in any situation.
Our Prayer Group meets every other Thursday in the Chapel at 10:45. We start very casually just chatting, and then about 11:00 we begin to write prayer concerns on a dry-erase board as we think of them. Pastor Susan also brings a list of prayer requests that we add to our list. Sometimes we sing a hymn or we begin with something encouraging one of us has read about prayer or how God works in our life. We take time to fully understand each request and the anxiety around it. This part of our prayer group feels almost already like we are praying. But in the last 10 or 15 minutes, we actually start to pray out loud, mentioning each need. Sometimes everyone prays. Sometimes one person does most of the praying. It is all very casual. We are not fancy or long-winded or particularly articulate about our prayers. We close at noon or soon after. Simple prayers are good.
We want anyone to feel like they can come and pray with us on these days. Or you can leave a prayer request with Tina or Pastor Susan or Joi Tennant. Also, you can leave a prayer request on the altar in the Chapel. No prayer request is too small or unimportant.
Joi Tennant, Prayer Group Leader
