Fall Prayer Partners
Sep 8, 2010
The First United Church prayer program has been a blessing!
Since June 6, we have had dozens of pairs of prayer partners forming relationships of deep spiritual connection as they’ve share their lives with one another and committed to pray for each other.
Here about Joanne and Lola’s story:
Sign up for the Prayer Program this fall!
Prayer Program Overview
Children, youth and adults can sign up to participate, and newcomers are welcome as well as members. The deacons will match each person with a Prayer Partner and ask them to do three things this fall.
Do you ever feel like a prayer novice? Don’t worry! There is no template that you have to follow, and it’s not a performance. Get in touch with God in the way that works for you. Here are some examples of different ways to pray. There are many more ways than are on this list!
Prayer Idea from Carl Nauert
I prefer to pray early in the morning. I’m an early riser and it’s so peaceful before our dogs and cats are in full energy. I tend to keep a list of who is in need (members, friends, family, etc…) world and local issues and who is on my mind, etc.. (I’m a list maker) I also ask God to help me find ways throughout the day to be a better Christian, neighbor and husband.
Prayer Idea from Grant Jones
A few years ago I lived with a Quaker family for the summer and went with them to church one Sunday. The service was different from the one I was use to attending. They spent most of the service in silence allowing each person to silently reflect or meditate. At first it seemed difficult to be quiet and stay focused but by the end of the service it ended up being a really good way to pray.
Prayer Idea from Megan Lewis
The children of our Nursery School are taught a prayer to say at snack time. It goes like this:
For food to eat and friends to love, we thank you, God, our Creator. Amen.
Growing up, I said this prayer as a student of the school. My family said it at dinner every night (though we said,“friends and family to love”) and now that both of our children have gone to the Nursery School, they too, know this prayer. We say it at our dinner table every night.
For children, a prayer that they can recite is helpful. The school prayer is perfect in its simplicity. They can actually understand what they are saying. On the other hand, Justin and I are teaching our kids how to pray in a comfortable, conversational manner. At night, when we put the kids to bed, we give thanks for specific people and events in the day. Frequently, it turns into a reflective conversation where they probe us as to why we are “thankful for those that protect us”, etc.
Praying with my kids is one of my favorite times of the day. Everyone is calm, the communication pure and sweet. It is in those moments that I feel the Holy Spirit embracing our little family.
Prayer Idea from Judy Vojta
Several summers ago I saw the Dahli Lama in Grant Park. His wisdom was absolutely memorizing, however, one story in particular that he shared has impacted one way that I pray. He talked about his life and all the travel that it entailed; airports, trains, and long car rides, which often meant that many times events occurred out of anyone’s control and his plans were delayed. He told hysterically funny stories of people shouting at airport personnel, repeatedly honking in traffic jams, or pacing in front of non moving trains. Yet, he suggested that these delays were actually an “unexpected gift” of an opportunity to be present and meditate. One actually had free time. The Dahli Lama would put on earphones in the back of a car or find a quiet place at an airport terminal and use this gift of time to reflect on what happened that day or what may happen in the future. By the end of his story, he had convinced us all that unexpected delays to our rigid time schedule is truly a blessing.
Since patience is not my strongest virtue, I tried it once while waiting in St. Louis airport. I sat and prayed about my family, my future, and my friends. Indeed, sitting in a crowded airport I actually felt refreshed and connected to God. I actually believed that this delay was a gift. Now, when I am caught in a traffic jam, or in an extremely slow line at Costco, or waiting for an el that seems to take forever and I feel impatience bubbling in my stomach; I use that free time pray for others.
Prayer Idea - from Julie Harley
I used to listen to the radio or CDs on my commute to work in the morning. Now I leave the music off and drive in silence, remembering and praying for people in the congregation or the needs of the world, asking God to lead me through the day. I try to notice things that I pass, like an especially beautiful tree, and offer thanks to God for beauty. When I’m in a bad mood, I try to discern why I’m feeling out of balance. When I’m stressed, I ask the Spirit to slow my racing thoughts. It’s my little prayer chapel. And I DO leave my eyes open.