Prayer Circle at Portland: On a Sunday following worship, someone writes a note and places it in the 'prayer box' located on the table in the narthex. In the note is says a family member is travelling a great distance in extreme weather conditions and asks for prayer for a safe journey.
During the week someone facing a serious health concern calls the prayer circle's contact person, asking for prayer for healing and courage to face the challenging days that are before them.
Both requests are passed along to each prayer circle member and the prayers begin.
The foundation for prayer ministry is found in the scriptures. Jesus taught His disciples to pray sincerely (Matthew 6:7-13). He showed them that God hears every prayer (Mark 10:56-52). We are drawn back to our Christian calling to pray when we read the Bible passages that tell us - 'pray all the time' (Ephesians 6:18), 'don't worry…pray about everything' (Philippians 4:16), 'is anyone suffering? …pray about it.' (James 5:13-16).
Prayer is an important part of life in the church today just as it was in the early church. The 'prayer circle', in our willingness to hold others in prayer, is committed to confidentiality of information, people, and situations being prayed for. Prayer is a direct line to God, a conversation that can take place anywhere, in any setting by all who desire to communicate with Him.
Praying our Lord will hold you close, today, tomorrow and forever.