May 16, 2017

He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray… (Luke 11:1)

At our 2017 Annual Conference in June, we will focus on the spiritual discipline and gift of prayer, as we benefit from teaching by the Rev. Tom Albin, Dean of the Upper Room Chapel. What prayer ministries are you and your members engaged in, whether innovative or traditional, indoor or outdoor, in public or private spaces, involving small groups or the entire congregation?

In some of the church newsletters, bulletins and websites we come across, we see announcements of prayer services and vigils, community prayer walks, prayer chains and prayer shawl groups, healing services, Taize worship, and other experiences. Clearly, we have some strong praying churches in this conference, and many of them no doubt have testimonies of answered prayers.

We are looking for examples of how churches pray and how, like Jesus, they teach disciples to pray. We want to learn and share prayer practices of all types and stories of how those practices impact congregations, individuals and communities. Many congregations are looking, even yearning for new ways to fortify their prayer life. Like Jesus’ disciples, they may be turning to you in times of need and asking, “Teach us to pray.”

Please send us information (along with any available photos, flyers, etc.) about your church’s prayer practices in one of three ways:

Please send us your prayer ministry leaders’ names and contact info, and when your church has any regular or special prayer events scheduled. We may contact them for more information.

Here are just a few examples of churches rising up in prayer to worship God and to creatively help empower people who struggle with life’s many daily challenges. We will post these and more examples on a special webpage of our Local Church Events section. We invite you to visit that page and share the ideas and examples offered there with your church and others.

Physical Healing Rooms at Washington Crossing UMC

Many people struggle with physical issues and diagnosis. We have an amazing God who HEALS! Our Healing Rooms are open the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month and the 3rd Monday evenings. To make an appointment please contact the church office at 215-493-5080. (Note: This is one of many intentional prayer ministries at Washington Crossing UMC, a church that is steeped in the spiritual discipline of prayer.)

Drive-thru Prayer resumes at St. John’s UMC Ivyland

St. John’s Ivyland UMC in Warminster recently resumed their Drive-Thru Prayer Ministry, beginning its third year of offering prayers on the go every Wednesday, from 4:30 to 6 PM. “Our prayer team offers prayer to those who for various reasons don’t feel that they can come to church but who do realize their need for prayer,” said Ruth Portzline, a Certified Lay Minister. If you want to join them or learn more contact Ruth at outreachstjohns@yahoo.com.