Opportunities for Prayer
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone..."
Prayer underlies everything that happens at Messiah. We are conscious that Jesus' words to his disciples apply to us as well: "Without me you can do nothing."
Prayer ministries at Messiah take a variety of forms, depending on needs and circumstances. The ones that follow offer some examples of how we pray together. We hope that you may avail yourself of them and become involved in them.
Prayers of the People
Every Sunday an important and vital part of our worship is the time we spend in prayer both for those within the Messiah community and for the needs of the wider world. Towards the conclusion there is an opportunity for members of the congregation to include other prayer concerns. Don't be shy about praying aloud at that time. If there are people or concerns you would like included in the Prayers of the People, you may use one of the 'Intercessory Prayer Request' forms provided in the pews. Also, if you are interested in leading the Prayers of the People from time to time, please speak with the Rector.
Sunday Morning Intercessors
Every Sunday at 8:30 and 11 o'clock two or more people take time throughout the service for focused prayer that the Holy Spirit may be powerfully present in our worship, and that lives may be transformed as a result. If you would like to be part of this ministry, contact Charlie Clauss at 612-827-6710.
Healing Prayer
Each Sunday during the administration of Holy Communion, members of our Healing Team are 'on duty' to come alongside any with special prayer needs. Illness, relationship difficulties, employment issues, and guidance for an important decision, are just a few examples of the kinds of concerns that are brought for private prayer. Please do not hesitate to come forward at this time if there is a matter on your heart. If you would like to learn more about participation in the Healing Team, please speak with Dick Guiton.
Email Prayer Chain
The Prayer Chain is a group of people who commit to daily prayer for the needs of others. These include the requests received each Sunday via the 'Intercessory Prayer Request' forms in the pews, as well as emergencies that crop up from time to time. This usually involves two to three emails per week. To find out more about getting involved, speak with Peggy Ferdinand. You may send emergency prayer requests to prayer@messiahepiscopal.org.
Men's Morning Prayer
Each Wednesday at 6:30 a.m. a group of men gather in the Quiet Room for Morning Prayer and a time of intercession for the leadership of the church, as well as for other needs that crop up. This is followed by coffee and conversation at the White Rock Café in Highland Village. To find out more, speak with Jim Olive, or just come along one Wednesday morning!
A suggestion...
Have you ever thought about devoting an hour to prayer? If talking with God for that long seems intimidating, think of prayer as taking time with him just as you would with a friend. Try it out, and the hour will go by more quickly than you might ever imagine. Here are some tips you may find helpful:
Be yourself. Don't think you have to pray with the eloquence of the Book of Common Prayer. Talk with God just as you'd converse with your closest friend.
Get comfortable. The stiffer you feel, the more formal your conversation will be. Sitting is fine. If kneeling helps, do it. You might want to take an hour's walk as you spend time with the Lord.
Try praying out loud, though not loud enough to disturb others. Being able to hear yourself pray can really help. You'll find that your mind doesn't wander as easily and that you pray more fervently.
Don't feel you have to do all the talking. Discuss something with the Lord, and then be silent for a time. Sometimes God uses these times of listening to implant his answers in our minds. Gradually you'll find that prayer can be a conversation.
Try setting up a schedule, allotting times for adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication (ACTS). A schedule can get you started, to help you believe you actually can spend sixty minutes in prayer. But don't feel you have to stick to it! You'll find the Holy Spirit will guide you in your prayer time. Remember, it's not a program-it's a growing relationship.
Now, go for it. Before you put move away from this webpage, set a time when you will spend an hour with the Lord. You can't learn to pray from just reading any more than you can learn to swim from a textbook. It's time to get into the water!
