Anyone who has ever been part of a healthy church will tell you that congregational health begins and is sustained by the prayers of the people. In the New Testament, we don’t see prayers for numerical growth, even though it occurred. I suspect that is because statistics distract us from the deeper work that needs to be done in a congregation. They also place a focus on our talents and methods rather than the glory of God (1 Corinthians 1:26-31). The prayers we read for the growth of the church in the New Testament are for growing in maturity as believers, health as a congregation, and fruitfulness in serving and witnessing to others.

Here are the opportunities we, as a congregation, currently have or are working on to encourage each other in a life of prayer.

In Worship (led intercessions and prayers in smaller groups).

In Worship (individuals praying together before or after the service or during communion).

Prayer notes in Gratis (Our weekly newsletter for members). We include the names of members we will pray for regularly, as well as people with specific needs, and a cycle of prayers from our prayer book and elsewhere on wider issues.

A prayer chain. We have a prayer chain where confidential prayers can be raised to God. The members of the prayer chain are our parish council and staff.

Leaving the church foyer open to the public for prayer. We are working through the compliance issues so we can set up a prayer corner in the foyer to allow people to come in and pray during daylight hours.

Prayer meeting on the first Sunday of the month. At 5 pm on the first Sunday of each month is an opportunity to pray for any needs and the ongoing growth of God’s Kingdom.

Life groups (small or home groups). Join a group to pray and be prayed for.

Before and during all our activities. Whether it is a worship service, parish council meeting, a working bee, a fete, or pastoral visiting, we will include on the agenda sustained time for prayer. 

Gathering up ideas for prayer. We will compile a growing list of suggestions from our members on what works for them to encourage them to live their lives in prayer.