WHY HAVE A PRAYER MINISTRY?
Jesus showed by His example the importance and power of prayer. Throughout the Bible, we read about strong men and women of prayer. We see the vital part prayer played in the early church. How exciting it is to realize that God is still working in the lives of His people today.
Prayer is a part of everything we do because prayer provides guidance for our decisions and power for service. However, we can't assume that prayer is expected simply to happen. When it is not a priority, it can be crowded out by seemingly more pressing activities. So this mobilizes greater numbers of people to get involved in prayer, and prevents prayer from getting lost among programs. Our objective then is to enlist and equip as many as we can in this vital ministry of intercession.
Prayer is available to all. No special talent is required -- simply a sincere, willing heart turned toward the Lord. We learn to pray by praying. As Jesus taught His disciples to pray, so He will teach us. It is our desire that you develop a vital, fresh prayer ministry that permeates your life and relationships. All great movings of God and spiritual awakenings are preceded by individuals and groups who are committed to the spiritual habit of prayer. That's why we say that at Southpoint every meeting is a prayer meeting!
HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?
PERSONAL PRAYER
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Have a daily time alone with God, using a notebook to keep track of needs and answers.
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Use prayer lists printed in the Sunday program.
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Ask someone to be a prayer partner with you, who will exchange requests and updates, and hold you accountable for your prayer life.
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Practice praying out loud so that you can join in group prayer times.
PRAYER BEFORE AND DURING WORSHIP
Walk through the church building before worship, covering the auditorium and classrooms with prayer for the speakers, teachers, singers, and those who will attend. Silently pray throughout worship for God to speak to you, and change lives. Feel free to come forward at the end of the message to have someone pray for you. Sometimes there are opportunities for call-outs of praises, requests and prayer circles. Prayer is modeled and taught in worship.
PRAYER EMPHASES
These are scheduled at various times to focus on a variety of needs. A Prayer Vigil is a time when people agree to pray for a specific time in the day for a certain number of hours. Prayer Concerts feature singing, prayer and testimonies.
COMMUNITY & NATIONAL PRAYER EVENTS
We participate in the National Day of Prayer on the first Thursday of May by meeting at a local city hall to pray for the nation's needs and at other special times.
ENLIST IN THE PRAYER FORCE
Every member of Southpoint is encouraged to enlist in February and September in one of our three prayer teams, as our Disciple Development Process outlines at 3rd base - "Commitment to Ministry."
PRAYER CORPS
Those who are committed daily to saturating the outreach and ministries of Southpoint. They are advised by mail regularly of ongoing prayer requests. Corps members are encouraged to attend Prayer Night.
PASTOR'S PRAYER PARTNERS
Those committed to praying for our Lead Minister, and he for them, at least once per week on an assigned day. At least two prayer breakfasts are scheduled, along with occasional times of praying together before worship. New partners are to read the book, Partners in Prayer
PRAYER CHAIN
This is a group who drop whatever they are doing to immediately pray for an emergency prayer request, passed along by telephone, then call the next person on the chain. They are encouraged to attend Prayer Night.
WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY OR URGENT REQUEST?
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An accident has just occurred and injuries are serious and/or life threatening.
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Surgery or other medical treatment that is life threatening has been ordered.
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Sad or traumatic news has just been received and prayer is needed for the victim and/or family & friends.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Anyone with an emergency situation may call the church during office hours. After that, you may call the home of the person at the top of the chain, listed in the Sunday program.
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