PRAYER CIRCLES

     

At the Annual Meeting last week  Rev. Irwin expressed appreciation for all the quiet ministries that happen without fanfare but that keep the life of the congregation running smoothly.  Hospital patients receive visitors, lunch is provided, offerings are counted, the books are balanced, birthday cards are sent.  Small ministries, done faithfully, they enhance our fellowship and remove many burdens from the minister.

     Another of those quiet ministries is prayer.  While all members of the congregation are encouraged to pray for each other and for the world, there is a dedicated group  who make it their mission to pray regularly together for the members and work of this congregation.  They meet in the Sanctuary on Wednesday morning, before Bible Study, and systematically pray through the entire church membership and the various ministries of SPPC. 

        I was once told my name comes up frequently in this circle.   The news alarmed me.  The prayer group thought I was in so much trouble I needed extra prayer?  Not so.  I am prayed for once as a member of the congregation and then again as a member of different groups within the congregation.  Whew!  So, if you want to be prayed for often, get involved in lots of things at church!

   

   There is a second group of people involved in regular prayer, and that is the prayer chain.  These individuals pray privately and at all times for those who have requested it.  This is more of a "crisis line" prayer group.  Those requesting prayer are often facing immediate issues like surgery, or bereavement.  Often times the people on this list are not members of SPPC but prayer requests for them have been received through members of the congregation.
      If you have a prayer request for this group, contact Edna or fill in one of the cards found in the pews.

       Finally, if you feel you'd like to participate in the prayer life of the congregation without joining either of the above groups, there is a prayer jar in the narthex.  The jar contains the names of the people of our congregation.  Take one or two or more home with you and pray for that person for a week.  When you've finished, return the name to the prayer jar.  Take another if you're so inclined. 

 We often hear people ask what they can do for the church.  How about saying a prayer?  It's more powerful than you might think.


P.S.  There is nothing in the world so much like prayer as music is. ~William P. Merrill

Elizabeth Clarke, who played for our Christmas play, is giving a recital on Wed. March 12, at 12:30 Philip T. Young auditorium, University of Victoria.  
Click here for more details.