Prayer Tip--Why Do People Need Church?

November 17, 2024

Matthew 16:15-18 and 1 Corinthians 12:12, 27, 26 (NRSV)

[Jesus asked his disciples], “Who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.”

Christ is just like the human body—a body is a unit and has many parts…Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it…If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.

Daily Reflection & Prayer

Matthew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered in my name, I’m there with them.

We talk a lot about prayer, and most of it is very personal–just you and God, having a conversation, unpacking your day, or the week, or the last 5 minutes that have reminded you how much you need God’s love, forgiveness, and constant presence. Personal prayer and time with God is essential to our lives as followers of Jesus.

There is another kind of prayer that is also essential, and just plain frightens many of us. Praying out loud or with a group is very uncomfortable for many of us. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I’m there with them.” He didn’t say, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, everyone look at the others hoping someone else will pray.” It’s not that we don’t want to talk to God as a group, or that we don’t believe in the power of prayer. The problem is that most of us would rather have a tooth pulled than speak in a public setting.

Years ago, at Resurrection, we had a prayer class called Praying Out Loud, and the most important thing I learned in that class was a way of praying called the Collect. It’s so much easier to pray out loud in a group when you have a plan! The prayer has four parts:

Address–be descriptive: (Examples) “Father in Heaven, “O God who loves us and hears our prayers,” “Jesus, who promised us that when we gather together, you are here”

Request or reason you are praying together today. One thing is usually best. (examples) Asking for healing, blessing on a person or ministry, guidance in making an important decision.

So that: what will change, what is the hoped for outcome?

Close it: Through Christ Our Lord. Amen (or any other description of God who hears our prayers)

That’s it! Prayer out loud with others, as one important part of being the church, does not have to be terrifying.

Prayer

Lord Jesus who promised to be with us when we gather in your name, please help us lay aside our fears when it comes to praying out loud with others, so that we may share the blessing of your presence and promises with others.
We pray in Jesus Name, Amen.

GPS Insights

Jennifer Creagar

This week's Prayer Tip is by Jennifer Creagar who serves as the Community Assistance Coordination Director in Resurrection's Congregational Care Ministry. She is married and loves spending time with her family, and she enjoys writing and photography.

WEATHER ALERT:

Prayer Tip--Why Do People Need Church?

Daily Scripture

Matthew 16:15-18 and 1 Corinthians 12:12, 27, 26 (NRSV)

Daily Reflection & Prayer

Prayer

GPS Insights

Jennifer Creagar

© 2024 Resurrection: A United Methodist Church. All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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