Prayer ministry at St Andrew's

For 2004, the congregation pledged itself anew to discover the power of prayer. All too often we are self-sufficient, self-reliant people and prayer challenges us to humble ourselves and admit we need God. Someone has pointed out that when we work, we work; when we pray, God works. As we want to see God at work, we have been encouraged to join a new prayer scheme:

It does not matter who or what we are praying for, perhaps for someone to come to faith in Jesus Christ, for friends, family, a work colleague, world leaders, for our clergy, but as we pray for each other, our community and the world we expect to see God at work in a new way.

Prayer ministry

What does the Bible say?

• The God of the Bible is into healing, wholeness and change. He announces Himself to Moses as the 'one who heals you' (Exodus 15:26). Time and time again we see God healing and restoring people, such as Naaman (2 Kings 5), Hezekiah (Isaiah 38) and the widow's son (1 Kings 17).
• In the New Testament Jesus is into healing, wholeness and change. When it came to healing, He did it, He taught about it, and He told others to do it. In the Acts of the Apostles, the early Christians did it.
• 25% of the material in the Gospels is about healing. God still heals today, and He involves ordinary Christians in the process.
• Healing is not just about physical disabilities, but can also be healing from fear, from memories, from uncertainties, or strengthening for service. For example, you might want prayer for a difficult situation in which you find yourself, or for a tough decision you face. It is perhaps more helpful to speak not just of healing but of 'restoration to wholeness'.
• Because we live in the times between Jesus demonstrating the first breaking-in of God's kingdom and the end-time when God 'will wipe every tear from our eyes' (Revelation 21:4), we sometimes see clear answers and we sometimes do not. That is part of the tension of our earthly existence.

Why do we do it as we do?

• Part of doing business with God is making a step towards him, and recognising our dependence on Him. He will not force Himself on anyone, now will He do what we do not ask (e.g. Mark 10:51).
• Jesus says that there is something very special about two or three coming together in His name to pray (Matthew 18:20).
• Although there is nothing special about the people who do the praying (for it is God who does the work, not them), the team members are trained and operating under the authority of the church leadership.

What happens?

• When you approach a member of the team, they will ask what it is that you would like prayer for. Although it is helpful for them to know, you do not even have to say this much, if you do not wish to.
• Those praying will probably lay their hands on you, which is an entirely Biblical practice (e.g. Matthew 8:3), and ask for the Holy Spirit to come in power to do His work in you. (Remember: the Holy Spirit is the way in which God is with us today.)
• They will not use many words (Matthew 6:7), but will allow plenty of time in the quiet for God's Holy Spirit to work - this should not be rushed.
• It is possible that they might share an impression of something which they believe God is saying. They can never be entirely sure, and it is up to you to weigh what is said.
• They are not there to give you advice or counselling. If they try to give you advice, tell them politely that it is God's help you want, not theirs!
• Afterwards it is helpful to thank God for His ability to work in you.

I urge you to simply give God a go, to recognise in humility your dependence on God, and to make that bold step forward to ask for prayer - to 'him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine' (Ephesians 3:20).

Contact the Church Office for further details.