. . . many of us who lead others in prayer would benefit from a course in marketing.

Recently, a church newsletter arrived in the mail and, since I had preached or led prayer several times there, I was eager to read (at least skim!) the articles and announcements. Would the lead article recast a vision for prayer? Would I see reports of how prayer was infiltrating various ministries? Would the typical list of prayer requests demonstrate a more strategic understanding of why we pray for one another, for the lost, and for the nations?

Well, I scanned the cover page; no mention of prayer in the purpose statement. A graphic for the upcoming National Day of Prayer was prominent but no information or instruction was anywhere to be found on the ensuing pages of the newsletter. Ministries reported many good activities (PTL!) but not one identified prayer as a valued ingredient. The newsletter included a calendar of events, financial information, birthdays and wedding anniversaries but not one praise or petition for prayer.

My purpose is not to criticize. Nothing in the newsletter was inappropriate.

My purpose is to remind, even challenge, us as prayer leaders to be wise stewards of every communication tool at our disposal. A quote in a Sunday bulletin. A brief devotional in a monthly newsletter. A “How To . . . ” pamphlet in a display rack. A book or tape or magazine on the resource table. A banner on the wall. A verse on the church sign. A reminder to each ministry leader. A prayer card in the pew rack. A bookmark from the ushers . . .

Look at your facility, your format. It seems to me we have dozens of opportunities to communicate the purpose, priority, and the power of being praying people. Do you see them? Then use them!

Pastor Phil

http://www.PrayerLeader.blogspot.com