PRAYER CHAIN
The power of prayer. We hear that expression so often that it's one of those things people of faith sometimes take for granted. How would you like to be part of a quiet but effective prayer ministry at St. Andrew's and experience the power of prayer for yourself? It's as easy as signing up for the e-mail prayer chain and adding your voice to the chorus of prayers that lifts the concerns of our congregation to our Lord.
For several years, the prayer chain has been e-mailed once a week to a group of people who have volunteered to pray for others. The list has several prayers, such as those for the Grace Lutheran Church, our synod, for people who strive to save the earth, for men and women in the armed forces, and for caregivers and our partners in outreach who serve others. There are also some longer prayers of a topical nature, as we petition for those recovering from a natural disaster or for world leaders at a critical juncture. When someone in our extended family dies, we pray for their family and friends.
Following those prayers is a list of prayers "for healing" and "for comfort and peace." Some of these are very short-term petitions, lasting a week or two. Others are long-standing, particularly when someone is experiencing chronic illness or extended rehabilitation.
We have recently added prayers of gratitude for answered prayer. This is a joyful and grateful response when the original prayer petition is no longer needed, due to improvement or complete recovery.
People who are on the e-mail prayer chain use the list in different ways. Some pray the instant the e-mail arrives. Others print out the e-mail and keep it handy for their times of prayer throughout the week. Others keep the e-mail in their "New Mail" folder, so that they can read it through and pray each time they open their e-mail account.
Sound like something you can do? Absolutely! If you are interested, send an e-mail to Sue Brooks (sjbrooksct@aol.com), and she will add your name to the list. You need not worry that this will put your e-mail address out for others to use - the prayer chain is sent out as a "BCC" (blind courtesy copy), so no one but Sue will see your address.
Currently, new prayer requests are held until the weekly mailing, unless they are of a critical nature. We are going to start sending them out as soon as we get them. This way, we can get those prayers sent on their way as quickly as possible. The entire list will still go out once a week.
For several years, the prayer chain has been e-mailed once a week to a group of people who have volunteered to pray for others. The list has several prayers, such as those for the Grace Lutheran Church, our synod, for people who strive to save the earth, for men and women in the armed forces, and for caregivers and our partners in outreach who serve others. There are also some longer prayers of a topical nature, as we petition for those recovering from a natural disaster or for world leaders at a critical juncture. When someone in our extended family dies, we pray for their family and friends.
Following those prayers is a list of prayers "for healing" and "for comfort and peace." Some of these are very short-term petitions, lasting a week or two. Others are long-standing, particularly when someone is experiencing chronic illness or extended rehabilitation.
We have recently added prayers of gratitude for answered prayer. This is a joyful and grateful response when the original prayer petition is no longer needed, due to improvement or complete recovery.
People who are on the e-mail prayer chain use the list in different ways. Some pray the instant the e-mail arrives. Others print out the e-mail and keep it handy for their times of prayer throughout the week. Others keep the e-mail in their "New Mail" folder, so that they can read it through and pray each time they open their e-mail account.
Sound like something you can do? Absolutely! If you are interested, send an e-mail to Sue Brooks (sjbrooksct@aol.com), and she will add your name to the list. You need not worry that this will put your e-mail address out for others to use - the prayer chain is sent out as a "BCC" (blind courtesy copy), so no one but Sue will see your address.
Currently, new prayer requests are held until the weekly mailing, unless they are of a critical nature. We are going to start sending them out as soon as we get them. This way, we can get those prayers sent on their way as quickly as possible. The entire list will still go out once a week.