Introduction
The Lord has been and continues to be faithful to us. As we face an unknown future with the hand of a faithful Lord upon our lives, we must continually seek God’s face in prayer every day of our lives as we pursue the vision God has for us that is greater than any vision we can have for ourselves or that others can have for us. Therefore as the people of God called St. James A.M.E. Church we are called to pray.
We pray because of the admonition of scripture. II Chronicles 7: 14 has declared, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” The Lord Jesus instructs us to “pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). The Apostle Paul admonishes us to “pray without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5: 17).
What then is prayer?
Prayer is simply conversation with God that is done privately or in the company of others. We communicate with God verbally through spoken words or silently with our thoughts. Prayer is not only speaking with God but also listening to God.
How Will the Prayer Initiative Work?
Each member is asked to become a prayer partner with one to four other persons and pray together at least once a day either by phone, online or in person. Each team may pray together either with a different person praying each day, or by all members of the team praying each day.
Each team is free to select the time and method of prayer. Although we are recommending that the teams pray every day, we recognize that some teams may not be able to pray with each other every day. If this is the case, we ask that team to commit to praying together at a regular, consistent time during the week.
We would further remind all of us that team prayer is no substitute for individual prayer. No matter how often a team agrees to pray, each of us should be calling on the name of the Lord and praying everyday.
If persons do not have prayer partners they should still fill in and submit the form and the Prayer Ministry will try to find a suitable partner or partners.
What will we be praying for?
This year we are asking every team to pray over at least two concerns:
· First, we are asking every team to pray that we will experience the powerful manifest presence of God’s glory among us every time we gather for worship as a congregation. Our desire is that we experience fresh revelation and new dimensions of God’s glory, presence and power every time we
worship in our personal lives, as well as in our life as a church. The scripture reference for this request is Exodus 33: 18 where Moses specifically asks God, “Show me your glory, I pray.”
· The second prayer request is that the financial stronghold and yoke of debt that has gripped us as our church has faithfully sought to serve the Lord’s people both within our doors and in the broader community will be broken. Our kingdom work of educating young people and feeding, clothing, caring for and being advocates for those in need, has put our church under some tremendous financial pressure, especially during these challenging financial times. So many of the traditional outside sources of support that have been very generous in times past have not been able to respond to our present requests due to shortages in their own funds. This stronghold may be broken through new funding sources coming to our assistance. It may also be broken through increased giving among our own church membership. So we encourage each team member to prayerfully consider his/her own giving commitments. The scripture reference for this request is found in Deuteronomy 28: 12, “The Lord will open for you his rich storehouse, the heavens, to give the rain of your land in its season and to bless all your undertakings. You will lend to many nations, but you will not borrow.”
When Are We to Begin Praying?
You are to begin praying as soon as your team is organized. We are asking all teams to be present for the consecration service that is to take place on February 24, 2009, at 7:30pm. (Please do not allow inability to be in attendance stop you from participating in this prayer initiative.)
Can we pray for anything else?
After we have prayed for the two concerns, each team is free to pray for anything else that is upon their hearts---family concerns, health needs, financial issues, career or job matters, etc.
Does my prayer partner have to be a member of St. James?
No! If there is a person or persons with whom you are spiritually connected who are members of another church and are willing to commit to pray for our two concerns, they are welcome to participate.
Are there any other requests for the teams?
We are also asking that all members of the prayer teams who are members of St. James commit to attend, with some degree of consistency, one of the Bible studies offered here at the church. We are also asking that prayer teams be available for other prayer requests and needs that may arise from time to time.
What should the prayer teams talk about when they gather together in person or by phone?
When the prayer teams meet together or speak with each other by phone, they should keep their conversation centered on the two prayer requests as well as the prayer concerns that the individual team members will bring. Gossip and other negative conversation should be avoided.
Do you have to be a certain age to participate in the Prayer Initiative?
Absolutely not!!! The Prayer Initiative is open to all- from our youngest to the oldest. Adult leaders and parents are asked to encourage their children and the young people under their supervision to participate. The earlier children are taught to pray, the better.
What about our sick and shut-in?
Sick and shut-in members can join the Prayer Initiative. There are so many church events and activities in which our sick and shut-in members are not able to participate. However, the Prayer Initiative is open to everyone. Some of our strongest and most effective prayer warriors may be among our sick and shut-in. Members who know individuals who are sick and shut-in may consider asking one of them to be a prayer partner.
How long does one have to be a member of St. James before one can join the Prayer Initiative?
As a member of St. James AME Church, you can join the Prayer Initiative at any time. However, new members are urged to complete new members classes (New Life Ministries) to enhance their knowledge of prayer, the Christian faith and the church before joining the Prayer Initiative.
A Helpful Reminder:
Prayer teams are not social clubs. Quite naturally you and your prayer partners will form a bond because of the spirit of prayer that you share. However, if a bond of friendship does not develop, don’t stop praying. Don’t go into another prayer group for this reason only. The people of God must understand that being friends or buddies is not where the power and strength lies, but it’s in the spirit of the believers. In the scripture, Matthew 18:19, Jesus says that “…if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.” This scripture has reference to believers, not friends or buddies. Each team is encouraged to rely on the bond rendered by the Holy Spirit.
Other Questions and Concerns:
Rev. Deborah Richardson is the minister leading this prayer initiative. Questions and concerns may be addressed to her. You may also go to our website and address your questions online; or you may call the church office and our very courteous and efficient staff will direct your question to the proper source.
References:
Bounds, E.M. The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer. Grand Rapids; Baker Book House, 1990.
Cho, Paul Y. Prayer: Key to Renewal, Waco, Texas: Word Books, 1984.
Christianson, Evelyn. What Happens When Women Pray. Wheaton, IL; Victor Books, 1975.
Dorsey, Larry. Healing Words: The Power of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine.
San -Francisco, CA. Harper Collins, 1993.
Foster, Richard. Prayer. San Francisco, CA. Harper Collins, 1992.
Hanson, Bradley. Teach Us To Pray. Minneapolis, MN; Augsburg Fortress, 1990.
Hybels, Bill. Too Busy Not To Pray. Downers Grover, IL.; Intervarsity Press, 1988.
Kallestad, Walt. The Everyday, Anytime Guide to Prayer. Minneapolis, MN.; 1995.
Murray, Andrew. The Believers School of Prayer. Minneapolis, MN;
Bethany House Publishers, 1982.
Peel, William. What God Does When Men Pray. Colorado Springs, CO.; Navpress, 1993.
Wagner, C. Peter. Churches That Pray. Ventura, CA; Regal Books, 1993.
Washington, James. Conversations With God; Two Centuries of Prayer by African
Americans. San Francisco, CA.; Harpers, 1994.