Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. (Romans 12:9-13)

Dear brothers & sisters in Christ,

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior. Amen.

Like many things in our culture, even prayer can be compartmentalized by people as a ‘specialized’ skill. Even in Jesus’ time, there were folks who thought prayer was ‘best left to the professionals.’ This philosophy has resurfaced again and again throughout the centuries. For whatever reasons, many people can be intimidated by the concept of prayer. People can get caught up in form and forget that prayer is all about the substance – and the Holy Spirit takes care of that.

Prayer can be as natural as breathing. In fact, the Greek (pneuma – pneuma) and Hebrew (רוח- ruach) words used in the Bible for the Holy Spirit are also used for breath. God breathes His Spirit onto the earth. The Holy Spirit is breath and it is by the Holy Spirit that we pray. Our prayers are God’s Spirit flowing within and through us. He Himself nurtures the communication and relationship we have with Him. That Spirit (or breath) is the substance of our prayers. It is as natural as breathing. Just as God breathed life into Adam and Eve, He breathes a Spirit of prayer into us.

Prayer is a precious gift. We have the privilege to communicate directly with God and He has promised to listen. Not only that, He even promises to help us to pray, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26)

The early disciples had witnessed the power of prayer & heeded His instructions & example to devote themselves to pray. Following Jesus’s ascension, the disciples committed themselves to prayer as they awaited the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1). Throughout the Book of Acts, the followers of Jesus faced each day, mission, dispute, & challenge with prayer.

In the Book of Acts, the only history book of the New Testament, some form of the word ‘pray’ is used 33 times. This is more times than any other book in the New Testament. In fact, the only Book of the Bible to talk more about prayer is the Book of Psalms (many of which are themselves actual prayers).  Prayer was of utmost importance to the earliest Christians. They treasured this gift of the Holy Spirit Jesus had given them. They had the power to converse with God. They had Jesus’ promise that God would listen to their prayers.

To replace Judas, the remaining Disciples prayed in order to choose Matthias. While being stoned, Stephen went as far as to pray for his executors. While in prison, doors were opened for Paul and Silas with prayer. Whenever the early followers of Jesus made any decisions, did any healing, made any travel/mission plans, started any congregation, encountered any conflict or challenge…they prayed. They devoted themselves to prayer and trusted in God’s promise to strengthen, protect, & guide them. They trusted Christ to be faithful as they followed Him.

We too can face each day, mission, dispute, & challenge with prayer – as individuals & as a community. Together we can “persevere in prayer” (Rom. 12:12b) & be “mutually encouraged by each other’s faith”. (Rom. 1:12b) We can devote ourselves to prayer – with God’s Spirit as the respiration of our souls.

Following the example of those earliest disciples, we are renewing our commitment to ‘devote ourselves to prayer’ this Easter season. There are a variety of current prayer ministries below as well as a multitude of other devotional and spiritual practices available. Please prayerfully consider the best way to devote yourself to prayer as we all face the challenges of life and discipleship.

The grace and peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

In Christ,

Pastor Carla

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Parish Prayer Ministries

Prayer Box

• Each narthex has a ‘Prayer Box’ & accompanying ‘Prayer Request Cards’
• Cards include a place for request as well as ‘degree of sharing’ boxes. (bulletin/worship, newsletter, prayer chain, pastor only)
• Boxes will be checked following Sunday worship services & request(s) shared as requested.

Prayer Chain

• It’s time to revise the Prayer Chain list of participants – notify Pastor by May 19^th if interested
• Participants are asked to keep requests confidential
• 2 available options to receive prayer requests
  • Phone Chain
  • E-mail Tree

Bulletin/Worship Prayer List

• Public, urgent/short-term prayer requests

Newsletter Prayer List

• Public, on-going/long-term prayer requests

Prayer Vigil(s)

• A 12-hour (8AM-8PM) Prayer Vigil has been scheduled for Ascension Day (5/30/19) @ St Olaf
• Sign-up sheet for ½-hour slots will be out in May
• Depending on reception & interest, we may aim for 2 vigils/year