. . . we could use a few windows and doorways.
When I sign-up to attend a conference or register for a class, I seldom think ahead of time as to what the meeting room will be like. Too often, instead of walking into a room bright with natural sunlight, the space has a pre-fab feel; one door and zero windows. Good instructors must work hard to transcend those one-size-fits-all rooms.
So, am I suggesting that every prayer meeting needs to meet in a room with windows?
No, though it would be a good idea to review the physical environment of where your group prays. The place of prayer should be inviting, comfortable, and assist in focusing pray-ers on the purpose or points of prayer for that day.
I am suggesting that every congregation needs more than one entrance into the prayer ministry of that church. Too often, the entire congregation is expected to join the church-at-prayer with a one-size-fits-all option. In many churches, that single option is a weeknight prayer meeting or a telephone (or email) prayer chain or a church prayer room. If you want to pray, and we expect you to want to, then we assume you'll show-up each week or volunteer for the prayer chain or take a turn in the prayer room or. . . . In other words, the people in our church who are really serious about prayer will make the effort to join us when, where, and how we pray
Not that long ago, this presumption actually fit for most of church members. But no longer. Prayer ministries that have only one door, one way into participation, become off-limits to those who work on the night of the corporate prayer meeting. Believe it or not, not everyone enjoys even brief conversations on the phone (or email!). And more people than you imagine struggle to pray alone; an hour in a quiet room trying to pray is close to torture.
Prayer leaders need to have several entrance points into the ministry of prayer. Weeknight prayer when everyone is invited? Sure. A prayer chain or a prayer room? Yes to both! Yes to all three . . . and more! Create opportunities for church members to look in the window to view the ministry of prayer (so they know it does not take professionals). Provide several doors; utilize the seasons, create special events, participate in National and Global Days of Prayer. Train ministry leaders (Sunday school, committees, fellowship and study groups) to include and to facilitate meaningful, Spirit-led segments of praying in their usual agenda.
When I arrive at a conference, I am hesitant to enter if the room has only one door. Several doors make me feel safe; a window even more so. It seems to me the prayer ministries of our churches could use a few windows and doorways.
Pastor Phil
|
April 2008 
