Prayer Leader OnLine Interviews Laurraine Huffman

First Baptist Church, El  Paso, Texas

Border Prayer  Network (A prayer ministry dedicated to networking and serving community leaders, pastors, prayer leaders, and intercessors for the advance of Christ's kingdom at the Gates of Authority on the U.S.–Mexico Border

Q. Laurie, what drew you into prayer? And then how did that lead you into prayer ministry?

When I was in second grade, I would pray using the Episcopal Church's Book of Common Prayer. I was not "saved" then, but the prayer book was a blessing to me as a child. Because of my experience, may I say that children's prayer materials (guides or prayer booklets) should be made available in the local church to encourage children to pray.

Then at the age of 30, I was born again, and within a few years I began praying with some women in a home prayer group for our city. I went for the wrong reasons. I wanted to become a friend of the young woman who was leading the prayer group. But prayer was so exciting that I got hooked.

In 1989, after being involved in two prayer groups, I approached our pastor about starting a prayer group in our church. It was there that I learned much from the Lord about local church prayer ministry, because back then, there were no books that I knew of on the subject.

"Praying" Them There

In an active church, it is rare to see many come to a time of corporate prayer. One of the reasons is that many people are so involved in other things that the thought of not another night out keeps them from participating. What about an approach that doesn't require them to be there every week for prayer.

An alternative? Don't stop encouraging people to come every week, but give them specific reasons to participate on designated dates. For example, try what two very different congregations--Grace Church in Racine, Isconsin and Uptown Baptist CHurch in Chicago, Illinous, are employing by inviting ministry leaders to receive prayer. Each week the prayer meeting focuses on a differrent aspect of ministry in the church. Those minsitries are prayed for as are the ministry leaders (who receive a special invitaion to attend).

The benefits:

• prayer for the key ministry leaders of the congregation
• affirmation and blessing for those who serve on the frontlines
• encouragement for the praying faithful by giving them an opportunity to pray with, not just for, the servants of the church.

A possible schedule and focus for each week:

1. Worship: musicians, singers, actors, ushers/greeters, technicians--everyone who serves the weekly worship celebration
2. Discipleship: teachers, trainers, counselors, mentors--everyone who guides spiritual formation
3. Fellowship: small group leaders, activity personnel--everyone who gathers people to build relationships
4. Leadership: elders/deacons/council/board/staff--everyone who serves in a capacity of authority
5. Stewardship: administration, financial accounting, facility maintenance--everyone who cares for tangible resources
6. Friendship: evangelism, social services, missions--everyone involved in outreach in the community or beyond

A possible format:

• Praise: songs and scriptures of adoration to God (15-20 minutes)
• Passion: a brief devotional, reminding those who serve why they do what they do (5-10)
• Prayer: prayers for the ministry focused on that evening (20-30)
• Prayer specific prayers for those who serve in that capacity (20-30)

Following a season of focused prayer nights, challenge the entire congregation to commit to participate at least once each month for the next four months. As you do, pray that some of those who have come once will become regular participants and that others will begin to come to the place of prayer more often. Both are good results.

Turning Prayer Meetings into Prayer Adventures

Making Prayer a Team Sport

Is it possible that even the Lord is bored with many of our prayer meetings? With heads bowed and ears closed, many of us simply repeat (in sometimes identical wording!) the needs and wants of last week . . . followed by the next person’s list of problems followed by the next person’s list or troubles.
 

How Can I Set Up a Prayer Vigil?

I am trying to find a prayer vigil guideline, and I can't seem to find one anywhere. Our church is having a 24-hour prayer vigil with members praying from their homes. The focus will be buying a church building (we are currently renting a warehouse). We are seeking God's will and wisdom in this. This is the first time I've done this, so I am a little lost. I am a fairly structured person, so I would like to have a format to follow. How can I put together an effective guide?
Janie

 The Praying Church
 Principles and Power of Corporate Prayer
 By Sue Curran
 Retail $12.99
 Creation House Press
 © 1987, 2001
 www.CreationHouse.com

When first released, C. Peter Wagner claimed this  was “simply the best book on the subject!” Since then, many new resources have been published but Sue Curran’s work continues to be a source of inspiration and insight.