Direct Prayer Impact

Jesus followers claim that prayer makes a difference. Any prayer has impact, we say, no matter when it happens, no matter who does it, and no matter for whom the prayer is raised. There is, though, a unique power to prayer that is offered face-to-face, with appropriate human touch involved.

Throughout the 1990's and in the first part of this decade, I was involved extensively in Jesus-following movements known as Camino-in-Christianity and Cursillo. I also had limited involvement in the uniquely United Methodist form of these Christian efforts, known as the Walk to Emmaus. These weekend experiences offer a bathing in the grace of God in Jesus Christ, through worship, prayer, talks and testimonies, small group discipleship building, and living together as a community in Christ. Speakers in these weekend events enjoyed a unique preparation for our presentations. Prior to speaking, we who were to speak went to a small, temporary chapel. In that chapel, we were invited to kneel before an altar, as several people in the chapel gathered around us. They all laid their hands on our shoulders, and one-by-one they would pray for each of us before we offered our talk. As we spoke to our audience, people would stay in the chapel, taking turns kneeling before the altar and praying for us as we made our presentation. One of them would go with us as we made our speech, so that we could see someone praying for us as we spoke. At the end of each presentation, each speaker would be returned to the chapel, and prayed for again.

Do you think that makes an impact on someone offering a message about Jesus? Do you think speakers speak with greater conviction, confidence, and passion when prayed for like that? You bet we do! As we're invited to pray for our churches, our communities, and God's will for our Christ-centered, disciple-making mission, maybe that's a clue. Maybe we all need to be more grace-direct and assertive in praying for each other person-to-person, face to face. What would it be like for all pastors and proclaimers to be prayed for this way before, during, and after every worship service? How would our churches and communities be impacted if all teachers and Bible study leaders had this kind of prayer...or all mission team workers...all evangelism team people...all musicians and worship leaders....all office workers...all church custodial personnel...etc., etc.? What if we took this kind of prayer out into our communities, for school teachers, law enforcement personnel, civic leaders, social workers, community developers, and anyone else who needs prayer?

The sky's the limit, I believe. Prayer really does change things, especially direct prayer. I'll see you around the next bend.