Dear Phil,

Thank you so much for the items in Prayer Leader Online. I can't tell you how much I needed to hear these things right now as I struggle with the fledgling prayer ministry at my church.

I need advice on how to light enthusiasm for prayer and worship. In this past year, we've held a prayer seminar, prayer workshop, prayer vigil, prayerwalk and attempted to form a prayer team. All were not very well attended despite much advance communication. In our early prayer team meetings, we tried to initiate the formation of groups to cover various aspects of the church, (i.e., teams to pray for staff, for youth, for children, for each worship service, for various committees, etc.). I have now switched tactics and am going to folks one by one, starting by asking them to meet me on Sunday mornings to pray for/with our pastors. There are a few successes, but often I'm met with various excuses (too early, maybe sometime . . .).

On the other hand, we now have a lovely prayer room, and there are a few folks becoming amenable to the idea of covering all we do in prayer. It's just very encouraging to me to hear from others about feeling a bit frustrated and I appreciate the prayers. I also appreciate all the resources and advice I can find!

In grateful prayer,

Carol S.

Dear Carol,

Sad to say, your situation is the rule rather than the exception. But please don’t let that discourage you. Our Enemy would be very pleased to know another prayer leader gave up because he or she faced so many obstacles inside the church (not to mention the outside obstacles of the Enemy himself!).

Persistence itself is a victory! Jesus “knows your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance” (Rev. 2:2). The hard soil you are tilling will bear fruit; if not in your season, certainly in a future season that will bless the congregation and the kingdom of God. Also, do not undervalue the small steps of progress that you have seen. They have the potential of being significant if you continue to see the big picture of what God is doing.

I encourage you to ask the Lord for someone who will stand with you in pray for the prayer life of the congregation. As the Lord supplies, then ask for two more, then four. Let Him build your team through simple but strategic prayers.

Finally, your goal is a congregation that values prayer, not merely a prayer activity church.

Hope this helps!

Phil

P.S. In between Prayer Leader Online, visit these sites for additional ideas, resources, and the latest news on prayer:

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*Pastor Phil produces several blogs with additional items:

http://PrayingPastorBlog.blogspot.com - Practical helps

http://PrayerLeader.blogspot.com - More ideas & insights

http://NPPNblog.blogspot.com - News from across the globe