Saturday, March 26
Sunday
Stories—Changing the Direction of our Lives
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about
everything.—Philippians 4:6
Several Sundays ago, about 18 years’ worth, we were introduced to a new
“tool” for churches called the “Spiritual Inventory”. We would not have volunteered to take it, but
were asked by George Brunner and Susan Patterson-Sumwalt, and so we each filled
out the questionnaire and the following Sunday we had a short meeting to
discuss the results. Interestingly, both
Arlen & I rated highest in “intercessory prayer”—a term we were not
familiar with even though we actively prayed for others.
The experience led us to some evening meetings with a group of
interested persons including a couple of people at TUMC who were, and still
are, actively involved in the Trinity United Methodist Church Prayer Team. Within a short time, we became involved and
have been ever since.
The TUMC Prayer Team including about 50 congregation members and the
clergy staff faithfully pray daily and weekly for the many prayer requests we
receive through the prayer cards on Sunday and calls or emails during the
week. Prayer requests are sent to Team
members by email throughout the week.
The Prayer Team does not pray as a group together—no meetings to
attend. Each member prays in their own home on their own schedule with the one
requirement of confidentiality—to respect the privacy of the request. Each Team
member signs a “Confidentiality Form”.
Praying for others is a very spiritual experience—a meaningful
relationship with the Holy Spirit; a greater connection with others,
opportunities for strengthening our faith and a deeper awareness of the
presence of God in our lives. There is
such tremendous POWER in PRAYER—it is humbling and rewarding to be part of
seeing God in action in so many ways.
Gracious God, thank you for loving us all and hearing our prayers. Amen.
Nancy McFaddin
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