Ideally, once we have more church prayer coordinators in each region, each regional prayer coordinator will conduct a monthly meeting of all church prayer coordinators in his region. He will also meet monthly (at a separate meeting) with the Associational Prayer Coordinator and the other regional coordinators.
For now, since we have so few coordinators, all church and regional prayer coordinators will meet together with the Associational Prayer Coordinator on the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. (I am intentionally refraining from posting the location for reasons of security.) See "Prayer Coordinator Monthly Meeting Schedule" on the side bar for specific dates.
September 2009
Special Prayer Events in September
September 13 - 20:
Week of Prayer for State Missions (Georgia Barnette Offering)
The official GBO web site is: http://www.lbc.org/gbo/ . It has information about Georgia Barnette herself, the ministries the offering will support, and some really good resources such as videos that can be played in church, and graphics that can be printed out as bulletin inserts, fliers, or posters (look under "Promote" and click on "Clip Art").
You may wish to organize a special time of prayer for the various ministries, work with your WMU (WOM) group to promote prayer church-wide, ask your pastor if you may speak briefly in worship service on the 13th regarding the week of prayer, or whatever God leads you to do that is appropriate for your church.
September 23:
The official GBO web site is: http://www.lbc.org/gbo/ . It has information about Georgia Barnette herself, the ministries the offering will support, and some really good resources such as videos that can be played in church, and graphics that can be printed out as bulletin inserts, fliers, or posters (look under "Promote" and click on "Clip Art").
You may wish to organize a special time of prayer for the various ministries, work with your WMU (WOM) group to promote prayer church-wide, ask your pastor if you may speak briefly in worship service on the 13th regarding the week of prayer, or whatever God leads you to do that is appropriate for your church.
September 23:
See You at the Pole
"See You at the Pole is a student-led, student-initiated movement of prayer that revolves around students praying together on the third Wednesday of September, usually before school and usually at the school’s flagpole. It involves students in elementary schools, middle/junior high schools, high schools, and colleges/ universities all over the world. {Adults} often pray in support of the students on campus by gathering nearby, at their places of work or worship, or at city halls." (from www.nationalprayer.org)
For more information on how you can help promote SYATP, please see: http://www.syatp.com/info/adults/. You may want to work with your pastor and youth director and ask if the youth can give testimonies about SYATP at their schools that night during church, and then have a special time of prayer for students, teachers, and other school staff, or even have an adult SYATP at your church that morning. Someone else suggested prayer walking at your local schools, which I think is a great idea. Whatever God leads you to do would be great.
If you have a unique idea for promoting or celebrating these events that you'd like to share with the other prayer coordinators, please e-mail it to me. We can all use good ideas!
October
Special prayer events in October:
October 4:
10/40 Window Sunday
October 4:
10/40 Window Sunday
"The 10/40 Window is the region between l0 degrees and 40 degrees north latitude that encompasses North Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Southeast Asia. It has been called the “resistance belt” because of its stubborn resistance to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Prayer can transform this region into the “righteousness belt.”
The 10/40 Window…
- Contains 44 of the 50 world’s worst persecutors of Christians
- The birthplace of the world’s major religions
- Home to the majority of Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists
- Has a population of 4.5 billion
- Mostly unevangelized
- Where eight out of ten of the world’s poor live
- Includes five of the six nations that actively sponsor terrorism
- Diseases that have long had a cure, run rampant here
10/40 WINDOW SUNDAY is both a starting place for a fresh wave of prayer and a mile marker in an ongoing movement of intercession for the people of this region."
~For more information, see http://www.win1040.com/
~For resources for use in your church, see http://www.win1040.com/resources/
Power Through Prayer by E.M. Bounds
In Power Through Prayer, E.M. Bounds (1835-1913) certainly does prove the old adage that good things do come in small packages.
Originally a gold miner, then Missouri's youngest practicing lawyer at the age of 19, Bounds surrendered to the ministry and became a Methodist pastor when he was 24. Following his incarceration as a prisoner of war during the Civil War, he took up residence in Tennessee. While others concentrated on rebuilding the war-torn state, Bounds determined to focus his energies on spiritual reconstruction, primarily by holding prayer colloquoys and evangelistic meetings.
Bounds was well known as a man of prayer, habitually rising at 4:00 a.m. and praying until 7:00 a.m. He and a small group of men also prayed faithfully for revival for over a year until God granted their request.
Bounds had a heart for pastors and a deep longing to see them preach out of the overflow of their personal heart relationship with the Lord rather than crafting eloquent sermons of lofty words. It is to these pastors for whom he had such a burden that Power Through Prayer is addressed, though all Christians can certainly benefit from Bounds' exhortation to be people of fervent prayer.
Among his spiritually erudite gems are:
The praying which makes a prayerful ministry is not a little praying put in as we put flavor to give it a pleasant smack, but the praying must be in the body, and form the blood and bones. Prayer is no petty duty, put into a corner; no piecemeal performance made out of the fragments of time which have been snatched from business and other engagements of life; but it means that the best of our time, the heart of our time and strength must be given...it means the {prayer} closet first, the study and activities second...
Originally a gold miner, then Missouri's youngest practicing lawyer at the age of 19, Bounds surrendered to the ministry and became a Methodist pastor when he was 24. Following his incarceration as a prisoner of war during the Civil War, he took up residence in Tennessee. While others concentrated on rebuilding the war-torn state, Bounds determined to focus his energies on spiritual reconstruction, primarily by holding prayer colloquoys and evangelistic meetings.
Bounds was well known as a man of prayer, habitually rising at 4:00 a.m. and praying until 7:00 a.m. He and a small group of men also prayed faithfully for revival for over a year until God granted their request.
Bounds had a heart for pastors and a deep longing to see them preach out of the overflow of their personal heart relationship with the Lord rather than crafting eloquent sermons of lofty words. It is to these pastors for whom he had such a burden that Power Through Prayer is addressed, though all Christians can certainly benefit from Bounds' exhortation to be people of fervent prayer.
Among his spiritually erudite gems are:
The praying which makes a prayerful ministry is not a little praying put in as we put flavor to give it a pleasant smack, but the praying must be in the body, and form the blood and bones. Prayer is no petty duty, put into a corner; no piecemeal performance made out of the fragments of time which have been snatched from business and other engagements of life; but it means that the best of our time, the heart of our time and strength must be given...it means the {prayer} closet first, the study and activities second...
~~~~~~~~~~
No man can do a great and enduring work for God who is not a man of prayer, and no man can be a man of prayer who does not give much time to praying.
~~~~~~~~~~
The holier a man is, the more does he estimate prayer; the clearer does he see that God gives himself to the praying ones, and that the measure of God’s revelation to the soul is the measure of the soul’s longing, importunate prayer for God. Salvation never finds its way to a prayerless heart. The Holy Spirit never abides in a prayerless spirit. Preaching never edifies a prayerless soul. Christ knows nothing of prayerless Christians.
~~~~~~~~~~
A holy life would not be so rare or so difficult a thing if our devotions were not so short and hurried...We live shabbily because we pray meanly.
~~~~~~~~~~
Paul exhorted us to "pray without ceasing" (I Thess. 5:17). In this brief and easy to read volume, Bounds passionately challenges us to apply these timeless words of Scripture to the discipline of prayer in our own lives.
Power Through Prayer is available at:
and may be downloaded as a PDF, read on line, or downloaded as an audio file for free at:
Pray Strongly, Weekly
In addition to praying daily for revival in our own personal prayer times, prayer coordinators can volunteer to "cover" one day of the week in dedicated prayer and fasting for revival.
God will lead the prayer coordinator with regard to how much time she should spend in prayer that day, as well as to the nature of the fasting, whether it be a fast from food or from another activity (for example, watching TV, computer time, shopping, etc.).
The following days are currently covered:
Sunday- S. (FBC- Plaquemine)
Monday- S. (FBC-BR)
Tuesday- M. (Riverdale)
Wednesday- B. (Parkview)
Thursday- M. (New Life)
Friday- S. (FBC- Plaquemine)
Saturday- M. (Riverdale)
(PCs are indicated by first initial and church name for security.)
If you'll notice, we have two PCs who are pulling "double duty". If you'd like to help out by taking one of those doubled days, contact Michelle.
God will lead the prayer coordinator with regard to how much time she should spend in prayer that day, as well as to the nature of the fasting, whether it be a fast from food or from another activity (for example, watching TV, computer time, shopping, etc.).
The following days are currently covered:
Sunday- S. (FBC- Plaquemine)
Monday- S. (FBC-BR)
Tuesday- M. (Riverdale)
Wednesday- B. (Parkview)
Thursday- M. (New Life)
Friday- S. (FBC- Plaquemine)
Saturday- M. (Riverdale)
(PCs are indicated by first initial and church name for security.)
If you'll notice, we have two PCs who are pulling "double duty". If you'd like to help out by taking one of those doubled days, contact Michelle.
Meeting Schedule- Winter/Spring 2013
Prayer Coordinators will continue to meet the first Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. All others are invited to join us at 7:00 p.m.
January 7
February 4
March 4
April 1
May 2 (National Day of Prayer. We will meet at our NDP prayer meetings rather than at our regular monthly meeting.)
January 7
February 4
March 4
April 1
May 2 (National Day of Prayer. We will meet at our NDP prayer meetings rather than at our regular monthly meeting.)
What is Revival?
In their book, "Fresh Encounter: God's Pattern for Spiritual Awakening," Henry and Richard Blackaby define revival this way:
"Revival is a divinely initiated work in which God's people pray, repent of their sin, and return to a holy, Spirit-filled, obedient, love relationship with God."
Revival is initiated by God, not man. Though we periodically schedule day or week-long worship meetings we call revivals, true revival cannot be penciled in on a calendar. True revival is a marked renewal of the church body. The Holy Spirit sweeps across the congregation, bringing with him conviction, deep contrition, and repentance for sin. Church members not only forsake their sin, but are radically impassioned anew to love, serve, and obey the Savior in their daily lives.
While evangelism of the lost may be a wonderful side effect, it is not the central focus of revival itself. Revival is not for the lost, it is for the saved whose love and obedience to Jesus have waxed cold. When the saved are revived, they will not be able to avoid sharing the Gospel with the lost. Their newly envigorated love for the Lord will have far reaching effects into their communities.
What does revival look like?
A revived church will be a church that deals with sin in its midst swiftly and certainly, and without fear of the consequences of man.
Worship is a passionate and heartfelt declaration of deep need for the Savior, not a dry ritual.
Church members work together in humility, not seeking power or recognition.
Prayer meetings are heartily attended and prayers of faith are answered.
The pastor is overwhelmed by volunteers for positions of service.
Church members boldly share their faith with the lost.
The unsaved come in off the street to see for themselves what God is doing in the church.
Seating for worship services is limited or non-existent, and some churches must move to two or more worship services on Sundays.
No one looks at his watch during the worship service or complains that the sermon was too long.
Church members flock to the altar to confess and weep over their sins, sometimes staying there for hours or even all night.
Silliness during the worship service and the watering down of the Gospel in order to attract the lost is replaced by a church body which cries out to God in deep, heart-piercing reverence and awe.
Backbiting, quarreling, and division are replaced by unity and love for the bretheren.
Bars, sex shops, casinos, abortion clinics, and other businesses close for lack of patrons as swelling numbers of souls are saved.
At the BAGBR Prayer Ministry, it is our goal to see every church in our association revived and fitting the above description. And to this end, we pray.
Won't you join us as we pray for revival to come to your church?
"House of Prayer" Conferences
...I will... make them joyful in My house of prayer...For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples. Is. 56:7
In poll after poll, pastors and church members alike say that the number one need of the church is more prayer. Is your church a “house of prayer”? Would you like it to be? Need a little help getting started, or maybe a refresher course?
There are some great prayer conferences out there that are inspiring and can help with your personal prayer life, but they can be expensive, they usually involve at least a little travel, and, unless the majority of your congregation attends together, they rarely have much impact on an individual church.
That’s why the BAGBR prayer ministry wants to bring the House of Prayer conference to you. Want to have a one hour seminar on prayer during your Wednesday night prayer meeting? A half-day workshop one Saturday morning? A guest speaker at a small group meeting? A breakout session during a retreat? Let us know your needs, and a 1-3 person team of prayer coordinators from the BAGBR prayer ministry will come to your church and share with you about becoming a House of Prayer. (No speaking fee or honorarium.)
To schedule a House of Prayer conference, contact Michelle Lesley, Associational Prayer Coordinator, through the BAGBR office.
"Bride Awake" Prayer Meetings
Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. Matt. 25:5
The Bride of Christ in America is falling asleep. (Sometimes, literally. Ask any pastor.) We’ve become numb to, or even defend, our own worldliness. Some estimate that over 80% of churches are in decline or plateau. Our impact on society is rapidly deteriorating. We, the church, are ripe for another Great Awakening.
To that end, and with an eye to the fact that most great moves of God begin with corporate prayer, we are beginning the process of scheduling weekly prayer meetings for the purpose of praying for revival in our city, association, state, and nation. Each week, a different BAGBR church will host the prayer meeting, which will be open to every member of every church in the association. This will not be a worship service or Bible study, but simply one hour a week for God’s people to come together and spend time in prayer.
Hosting a Bride Awake Prayer Meeting:
- Our facility needs are very much "bare bones". Basically, what we will need is for the building/sanctuary to be unlocked on time, and lights, heat/AC, and bathrooms/water fountains made available.
- In the spirit of Is. 24:2 and Hos. 4:9a pastors and staff of the host church are encouraged to attend if at all possible.
- The pastor of the host church will choose the evening (or Saturday) for the meeting which will be most convenient for his church. (Let's avoid Sunday and Wednesday evenings since most churches have services those nights.)
- Associational Prayer Coordinator- Michelle Lesley, or another prayer coordinator, will facilitate the meeting (in conjunction with the host pastor if he is present) and coordinate the logistics of facility availability.
- Prayer meetings will be open to (and publicized to) all BAGBR churches/church members.
- Host pastors, if they so desire, will also have the option of inviting neighboring churches of other (Christian) denominations to participate in the prayer meeting.
- Bride Awake meetings will begin the week of January 17, 2010. Pastors, please contact Associational Prayer Coordinator- Michelle Lesley, through the BAGBR office (or her personal e-mail address, if you have it) when you have a date in mind.
Attending a Bride Awake Prayer Meeting
All BAGBR pastors, staff, and church members are strongly encouraged to attend Bride Awake meetings as often as possible. Meeting dates and times will be publicized to all BAGBR churches, printed in the Good News newsletter when feasible, and posted on this web site.
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire (Jim Cymbala)
"What is Brooklyn Tabernacle's secret to success? In Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire Jim Cymbala provides a one-word answer: prayer. In this powerful volume Pastor Cymbala will show you how passionate, persistent prayer transforms individuals, revives churches and revitalizes communities. Drawing on the teaching of scripture, his own experience and the collected wisdom of the great revivalists, Pastor Cymbala seeks to fan your passion for prayer into a flame. Take this opportunity to learn how to listen to God's voice and prayerfully depend upon God!"
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire is available at:
January 2010
SPECIAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE SBC- JANURARY 31!!!
Consecrate a fast,
Proclaim a solemn assembly;
Gather the elders
And all the inhabitants of the land
To the house of the LORD your God,
And cry out to the LORD.
Joel 1:14
SBC President, Johnny Hunt, is encouraging all pastors to set aside Sunday, January 31 as a special day of prayer and fasting for our denomination. From his December 9th Baptist Press article:
“We are asking you, pastors, to not only incorporate a season of prayer for our denomination into your regular worship services on Sunday, Jan. 31, but to make provision and give direction for a full day of prayer focus… Some of the suggested things to pray for include:
-- A spirit of repentance to fall on our churches corporately and personally for individuals, and for genuine revival of first love for Jesus. (See Matt. 4:17; Rev. 2:4.)
-- A great spiritual awakening across our land so that the lost will be drawn to a personal relationship with Jesus. (See John 6:44; Rom. 1:19; 2 Cor. 2:14.)
-- A sweet spirit of reconciliation among any Southern Baptists who are at odds with each other, or other works of God. Love for one another in the body of Christ to grow and blossom. (See Prov. 28:13; 1 Cor. 13:25-27; John 13:34-35.)…”
NAMB (North American Mission Board) Prayer Coordinator, Elaine Helms, adds this information (from "Call to Urgent Prayer for SBC"):
"The goal is for all of us to “Be still and know that God is God,” as a sign of our humility and desire to wholeheartedly return to Him. By our being still before Him (see Psalm 46:10), we exalt our God and position ourselves to obey the Great Commission our Lord commanded in Matthew 28:18-20.
How:
Distribute personal preparation guides for cleansing and restoration and instruct every church member on how to use it through the day.
Plan a Solemn Assembly or a Concert of Prayer for whole congregation or the entire association.
Hold prayer gatherings by Sunday school classes or Bible study groups.
Encourage families to have a focused prayer time acknowledging God alone is God.
For example, an extended prayer before the evening meal, or a prayer walk through the home asking for cleansing and God’s presence.
Challenge every Sunday school class or Bible study group to tithe time to contrite prayer for spiritual awakening.
Extend the pastoral prayer and invite several to read scriptural prayers.
Preach a sermon on prayer, stopping at each point to lead the congregation in application praying.
On Sunday, January 24th, ask your members to pray daily for tens of thousands of SBC congregations to participate in the January 31st urgent call to prayer for the Southern Baptist Convention.
Resources: Information to support the above ideas and more are being added daily. Click here to access the resource list. You may also access the resource list from the GPS website."
BAGBR pastors, prayer coordinators, and church members, PLEASE make this time of prayer and fasting a high priority for your church. We urgently need to be on our faces, corporately, before God.
Pray for Your Pastor
Pastoring a church is like joining the Peace Corps: It's not just a job, it's an adventure. The natives can be restless and shooting fiery darts at them, the air conditioning unit keeps breaking and the plumbing backs up, sometimes clans are at war with each other, there's a jungle of paperwork to navigate, and meeting after meeting after meeting to attend. And they've got to do it all without offending anyone, somehow squeezing in time to prepare a couple of sermons and Bible studies every week, visit people in the hospital, and still spend time with their wives and children. But they do it because they love our Lord, and wouldn't do anything else.
Our pastors need our prayer and encouragement. As you will hear me say repeatedly, your most important job as a prayer coordinator is to pray for your pastor daily, and to encourage your church members to pray for him as well.
But what does praying for our pastors have to do with revival?
Praying for our pastors is one of the most important keys to revival. Most of the time, when churches experience revival, it is because the pastor has experienced revival in his own life and then leads his church to begin repenting, praying, and returning to a right relationship with God. Usually, revival begins with the pastor.
Additionally, when churches experience revival, the pastor's job is made exponentially easier. He is no longer discouraged by preaching to hearts of stone, but exhilarated by preaching to those who seek to worship God in spirit and in truth and who hunger and thirst for righteousness. His congregation witnesses to the lost, reaches out to those in need, beats down his office door wanting to know how they can serve. They allow him to ditch his extraneous busy work in favor of studying God's word and spending time in prayer. Revival makes pastoring a joy.
So pray for your pastor. Get everybody else in your church praying for your pastor. And, hey, throw in the minister of music, youth, education, etc., too. You might just find that the more the sheep pray for the shepherd, the better the flock becomes.
And that's not a baa-aaa-aaa-d thing. :0)
Our pastors need our prayer and encouragement. As you will hear me say repeatedly, your most important job as a prayer coordinator is to pray for your pastor daily, and to encourage your church members to pray for him as well.
But what does praying for our pastors have to do with revival?
Praying for our pastors is one of the most important keys to revival. Most of the time, when churches experience revival, it is because the pastor has experienced revival in his own life and then leads his church to begin repenting, praying, and returning to a right relationship with God. Usually, revival begins with the pastor.
Additionally, when churches experience revival, the pastor's job is made exponentially easier. He is no longer discouraged by preaching to hearts of stone, but exhilarated by preaching to those who seek to worship God in spirit and in truth and who hunger and thirst for righteousness. His congregation witnesses to the lost, reaches out to those in need, beats down his office door wanting to know how they can serve. They allow him to ditch his extraneous busy work in favor of studying God's word and spending time in prayer. Revival makes pastoring a joy.
So pray for your pastor. Get everybody else in your church praying for your pastor. And, hey, throw in the minister of music, youth, education, etc., too. You might just find that the more the sheep pray for the shepherd, the better the flock becomes.
And that's not a baa-aaa-aaa-d thing. :0)
November
November
November 2:
Baptist Women's World Day of Prayer
"Every year on the first Monday of November, Baptist women around the world gather to pray for each other and give to support projects that improve the lives of women and children."
For more information, see- http://nabwu.org/Day_of_Prayer.html
November 8:
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church: "Persecuted, Not Abandoned"
"There are many countries in the world today where Christians are martyred for their faith...The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is a time set apart for us to remember thousands of our Christian brothers and sisters around the world who suffer persecution, simply because they confess Jesus Christ as Lord."
For more information, see- http://idop.org/
November 29 - December 6:
Week of Prayer for International Missions (Lottie Moon Offering)
"False religions, political oppression, multiple languages, harsh living conditions and religious persecution are some of the barriers to sharing Christ with unreached people groups. Still, that doesn't override the Great Commission that Scripture gives to all who follow Him. It is this challenge that compels Southern Baptists to go into difficult places and preach the Gospel."
For more information, see- http://www.imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=5624&LanguageID=1709
Prayer Coordinators- Qualifications
Coordinator must be a Christian as evidenced by both his verbal testimony and the fruit of his life.
Coordinator must be a faithful and active member of his church, with a membership of at least one year (exceptions to this time frame may be made on a case by case basis if recommended by the pastor).
Coordinator must be recommended by his pastor.
Coordinator must be committed to his responsibilities as coordinator. He must follow through on duties he has agreed to undertake by the assigned deadline.
Coordinator must have good communication habits, including being reachable by e-mail or phone, and replying to e-mails and returning phone calls in a timely manner (within 24 hours maximum). I would strongly prefer that all coordinators be reachable by e-mail.
Insofar as it is possible, while women are welcome to serve as prayer coordinators, men are encouraged to fill a significant percentage of the prayer coordinator positions. There are two reasons for this:
1.) To promote more male leadership and responsibility in the church.
2.) To prevent prayer coordinators, leaders, committees, or groups from being seen as a “women’s ministry”. (Prayer is vital for everyone, not just women.)
Church Prayer Coordinators- Duties
° Daily personal spiritual growth, including individual Bible study and prayer, and faithful attendance at, and involvement in, your local church
° Attend monthly prayer coordinator meetings with the Associational Prayer Coordinator and other church prayer coordinators
° Respond to e-mails/phone calls from regional coordinator or BAGBR Prayer Coordinator within 24 hours
° When carrying out any duties, plans, or events in your church, operate under the authority and direction of your pastor or other responsible staff member at all times
° Plan, promote, and execute prayer groups/meetings in your church
° Make Associational Prayer Coordinator aware of any urgent prayer needs within your church as quickly as possible
° Make your pastor/staff, church, and prayer group(s) aware of any urgent prayer needs you receive from the Associational Prayer Coordinator
° Be aware of upcoming special prayer emphases/events (National Day of Prayer, Lottie Moon, etc.) as the Associational Prayer Coordinator informs you of them. Promote these special prayer emphases/events within your church and to your prayer group(s). Plan, promote and execute corresponding events at your church as needed.
° Pray fervently in these key areas:
Pray for your church and your pastor/staff
Pray that God will raise up more people of prayer
Pray that God will provide more opportunities for corporate prayer in your church
Pray for revival in your church, locally, nationally, and globally
° Inform the Associational Prayer Coordinator of any unique movements or leadings of God within your church, so that others who are called may join Him in His work
° Other duties as needed
° Attend monthly prayer coordinator meetings with the Associational Prayer Coordinator and other church prayer coordinators
° Respond to e-mails/phone calls from regional coordinator or BAGBR Prayer Coordinator within 24 hours
° When carrying out any duties, plans, or events in your church, operate under the authority and direction of your pastor or other responsible staff member at all times
° Plan, promote, and execute prayer groups/meetings in your church
° Make Associational Prayer Coordinator aware of any urgent prayer needs within your church as quickly as possible
° Make your pastor/staff, church, and prayer group(s) aware of any urgent prayer needs you receive from the Associational Prayer Coordinator
° Be aware of upcoming special prayer emphases/events (National Day of Prayer, Lottie Moon, etc.) as the Associational Prayer Coordinator informs you of them. Promote these special prayer emphases/events within your church and to your prayer group(s). Plan, promote and execute corresponding events at your church as needed.
° Pray fervently in these key areas:
Pray for your church and your pastor/staff
Pray that God will raise up more people of prayer
Pray that God will provide more opportunities for corporate prayer in your church
Pray for revival in your church, locally, nationally, and globally
° Inform the Associational Prayer Coordinator of any unique movements or leadings of God within your church, so that others who are called may join Him in His work
° Other duties as needed
Regional Prayer Coordinators- Duties
° Daily personal spiritual growth, including individual Bible study and prayer, and faithful attendance at, and involvement in, your local church
° Pray faithfully for the churches, pastors, and church coordinators in your region
° Meet monthly with BAGBR Prayer Coordinator
° Meet monthly with church coordinators
° Respond to e-mails/phone calls from BAGBR Prayer Coordinator or church coordinators within 24 hours.
° Develop an e-mail group (or phone tree) of church coordinators for ease of access and immediate communication. (This is for use by the regional coordinator.) Also provide the BAGBR Prayer Coordinator with this contact information and inform her of any changes as they occur
° Disseminate information from BAGBR Prayer Coordinator regarding prayer needs, upcoming events, and other information to e-mail group/phone tree of church coordinators
° Make BAGBR Prayer Coordinator aware of urgent prayer needs within the region as information is provided by church coordinators
° Assist and advise church coordinators as needed with setting up prayer groups/meetings in their individual churches
° Make church coordinators aware of upcoming special prayer emphases (National Day of Prayer, Lottie Moon, etc.)
Plan, promote, and execute corresponding regional events as needed
Assist church coordinators in promoting, planning, and executing corresponding church events as needed
° Inform BAGBR Prayer Coordinator of any unique movements or leadings of God within the region, so that others who are called may join Him in His work
° Other duties as needed
° Pray faithfully for the churches, pastors, and church coordinators in your region
° Meet monthly with BAGBR Prayer Coordinator
° Meet monthly with church coordinators
° Respond to e-mails/phone calls from BAGBR Prayer Coordinator or church coordinators within 24 hours.
° Develop an e-mail group (or phone tree) of church coordinators for ease of access and immediate communication. (This is for use by the regional coordinator.) Also provide the BAGBR Prayer Coordinator with this contact information and inform her of any changes as they occur
° Disseminate information from BAGBR Prayer Coordinator regarding prayer needs, upcoming events, and other information to e-mail group/phone tree of church coordinators
° Make BAGBR Prayer Coordinator aware of urgent prayer needs within the region as information is provided by church coordinators
° Assist and advise church coordinators as needed with setting up prayer groups/meetings in their individual churches
° Make church coordinators aware of upcoming special prayer emphases (National Day of Prayer, Lottie Moon, etc.)
Plan, promote, and execute corresponding regional events as needed
Assist church coordinators in promoting, planning, and executing corresponding church events as needed
° Inform BAGBR Prayer Coordinator of any unique movements or leadings of God within the region, so that others who are called may join Him in His work
° Other duties as needed
Distance Prayer Coordinators
Serving as a Distance Prayer Coordinator
Due to the fact that some of our BAGBR churches are up to an hour's drive or more away, we have set up a system whereby members of those churches can become BAGBR prayer coordinators and stay plugged in with the BAGBR Prayer Ministry, even if they're unable to drive in for meetings.
A Distance Prayer Coordinator is, by definition, someone who would like to serve as a prayer coordinator with the BAGBR Prayer Ministry, but lives too far away to be able to drive in for our monthly meetings. Distance Prayer Coordinators will keep up to date with the latest news and events of the prayer ministry via e-mail, this web site, and by joining the "Pray BAGBR" Facebook page.
Distance Prayer Coordinators will check in with Associational Prayer Coordinator, Michelle Lesley, via e-mail at least once a month by the end of the month to keep us abreast of how things are going at their churches. They are encouraged to share:
- Prayer needs for their churches- It could be a spiritual need, such as, "Please pray for more people to have a burden for prayer," or "Please pray for forgiveness in a certain situation in my church." Or it could be for a more tangible need, such as a larger building for the church, more nursery workers, a pianist, etc.
- Ways they see God moving in their churches and/or answers to prayer.
- Special prayer events taking place at their churches or in their communities.
- New ideas for prayer initiatives which other prayer coordinators might want to implement, prayer initiatives that God is using in their churches, or how their churches are participating in a special prayer event that has been announced by the BAGBR Prayer Ministry (such as Call 2 Fall, National Day of Prayer, etc.)
The Associational Prayer Coordinator will gather these e-mails at the end of the month and take them to the monthly meeting to let the other prayer coordinators know how our Distance Prayer Coordinators are doing and how they can pray for them and their churches.
If you would like to serve in the BAGBR Prayer Ministry as a Distance Prayer Coordinator, please contact Associational Prayer Coordinator, Michelle Lesley, at praybagbr@yahoo.com.
Pray As You Go
If you pass by one of our BAGBR churches as you're driving around town, take a moment and say a brief word of prayer for that church and its pastor. It's a great way to lift up our pastors and churches other than just in your designated prayer time, and also helps in our quest to "pray without ceasing" (I Thessalonians 5:17).
You can also lift up our brothers and sisters at churches of other denominations you pass. And, on a road trip, pray for all the churches along your route. It sure beats the license plate game! Get the whole family involved-- it's a fun and easy way to teach your children or grandchildren the importance of prayer.
Not sure how to pray for a pastor or church you're not familiar with? Try praying:
For the pastor:
You can also lift up our brothers and sisters at churches of other denominations you pass. And, on a road trip, pray for all the churches along your route. It sure beats the license plate game! Get the whole family involved-- it's a fun and easy way to teach your children or grandchildren the importance of prayer.
Not sure how to pray for a pastor or church you're not familiar with? Try praying:
For the pastor:
- Wisdom and discernment
- That God would protect his study and prayer time from interruption
- Health
- That God would protect his family from Satan's attacks
- Encouragment from his congregation
- Godly strength to stand firm against temptation
- That he would be a Godly husband and father
For the church:
- That God would root out any corporate sin and worldliness that has taken hold
- That God would stir more people to pray and study their Bibles
- Unity
- Passion for the things of God
- A Godly desire to serve
- That God would protect the worship service from distractions
- Revival
- Biblical literacy
So get your motor runnin', get out on the highway, and pray, pray, pray!
November 2011
November 7: Baptist Women's World Day of Prayer
"Every year on the first Monday of November, Baptist women around the world gather to pray for each other and give to support projects that improve the lives of women and children."
For more information, see- http://nabwu.org/Day_of_Prayer.html
November 13: International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
"There are many countries in the world today where Christians are martyred for their faith...The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is a time set apart for us to remember thousands of our Christian brothers and sisters around the world who suffer persecution, simply because they confess Jesus Christ as Lord."
For more information, see- http://idop.org/
"Every year on the first Monday of November, Baptist women around the world gather to pray for each other and give to support projects that improve the lives of women and children."
For more information, see- http://nabwu.org/Day_of_Prayer.html
November 13: International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
"There are many countries in the world today where Christians are martyred for their faith...The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is a time set apart for us to remember thousands of our Christian brothers and sisters around the world who suffer persecution, simply because they confess Jesus Christ as Lord."
For more information, see- http://idop.org/
The "Pump Up Your Pastor" Prayer Program
Beginning this Sunday, August 9, many pastors in BAGBR will start each Lord's Day off with a little extra boost of encouragement.
In conjunction with praying for your pastor daily, please set aside a special time of prayer on Saturdays to pray for your pastors, their last minute study time, their sermons, family harmony (pastors get into arguments with their wives and have misbehaving kids just like the rest of us, and Saturday night/Sunday morning is prime time for Satan to attack), the worship service the next day, etc.
Afterwards, send a brief e-mail or voice mail to the pastor's office at the church telling him that you were praying for him, how you were praying for him, and giving him some words of encouragement. It is my hope that after the first few times this is done, the pastors will begin checking their e-mail or voice mail every Sunday morning upon arriving at the church so they can start off the Lord's Day on a positive note.
In conjunction with praying for your pastor daily, please set aside a special time of prayer on Saturdays to pray for your pastors, their last minute study time, their sermons, family harmony (pastors get into arguments with their wives and have misbehaving kids just like the rest of us, and Saturday night/Sunday morning is prime time for Satan to attack), the worship service the next day, etc.
Afterwards, send a brief e-mail or voice mail to the pastor's office at the church telling him that you were praying for him, how you were praying for him, and giving him some words of encouragement. It is my hope that after the first few times this is done, the pastors will begin checking their e-mail or voice mail every Sunday morning upon arriving at the church so they can start off the Lord's Day on a positive note.
Here is a sample of what a PPPP e-mail might look like, but please feel free to write or say the words God puts on your heart:
Dear Pastor-
Today, I prayed that:
...God would send revival to our church.
...God will provide the new air conditioning unit the church needs.
...God will give you some encouragement and hope this week in the midst of any difficult situation you may be dealing with.
...God will give you the strength to stand firm and resist temptation this week.
...God will give you passion in your preaching.
Have a blessed Lord's Day,
Jane Doe
Church prayer coordinators can do this for their own pastors, and the regional coordinators and I will do it as we are able for the churches that don't yet have church coordinators.
I'd like for all of us to begin this prayer initiative on Saturday, August 8. Please briefly explain the program to your pastor this first time. If your pastor doesn't have e-mail or voice mail at the office, you may want to just stick a note on his office door or something like that.
Please encourage as many of your church members as possible to participate. You may also wish to pray for and encourage other staff members. Having a small group (or a large group!) meet some time on Saturday or on Sunday morning to pray for the pastor and the worship service would be fantastic if you feel led to put something like that together.
Let's pray!
The Yada Yada Prayer Group Series by Neta Jackson
What do an ex-con, a former drug addict, a real estate broker, a college student, and a married mother of two have in common? Nothing, or so Jodi Baxter thought. Who would have imagined that God would make a group as mismatched as that the closest of friends?
“I almost didn’t even go to the Chicago Women’s Conference—after all, being thrown together with five hundred strangers wasn’t exactly my ‘comfort zone.’ But I would be rooming with my boss, Avis, and I hoped that maybe I might make a friend or two.
“When Avis and I were assigned to a prayer group of twelve women at the conference, I wasn’t sure what to think. There was Flo, an outspoken ex-drug addict; Ruth, a Messianic Jew who could smother-mother you to death; and Yo-Yo, an ex-con who wasn’t even a Christian! Not to mention women from Jamaica, Honduras, South Africa—practically a mini-United nations. We certainly didn’t have much in common.
“But something happened that weekend to make us realize we had to hang together. So ‘the Yada Yada Prayer Group’ decided to keep praying for each other via e-mail. That worked for a while, but our personal struggles and requests soon got too intense for cyberspace, so we decided to meet together every other Sunday night.
“Talk about a rock tumbler!—knocking off each other’s rough edges, learning to laugh and cry along the way. But when I faced the biggest crisis of my life, God used my newfound girlfriends to help teach me—Jodi Baxter, longtime Christian ‘good girl’—what it means to be just a sinner saved by grace.”
(Excerpted from author Neta Jackson's web site: http://www.daveneta.com/books/YadaYada/YadaYada.htm)
This seven book series was such a delight I wish Mrs. Jackson had written more! The Yada Yada gals are intriguing, endearing characters, but even more inspiring was learning about their prayer group.
If you've always wanted to learn more about prayer but were a little intimidated by theological books on the subject, pick up this series. You'll learn about:
- forming a prayer group
- genuine corporate prayer
- praying Scripture
- appropriate confidentiality
- the praise and worship aspect of prayer
- using prayer as a first response rather than a last resort
and much more.
Be sure to pick up the "Party Editions" of the books for recipes and prayer group meeting and celebration ideas. There's even a Yada Yada Prayer Journal for use in your own personal devotions.The entire Yada Yada series is available at:
The EBR Parish Library
Neta Jackson's Web Site
ChristianBook.com
Amazon.com
LifeWay Christian Stores
March 2013
March 3-10: Week of Prayer for North American Missions (Annie Armstrong Easter Offering)
Theme: Whatever it Takes
Theme: Whatever it Takes
The reality is that people need Jesus, and it's not enough to simply point them in the right direction. That takes only a moment and little commitment. What we need to do is make an investment in their lives to walk with them...to His presence, introducing them to Him and inviting them to connect with Him personally and completely.
"Whatever it takes" means starting a conversation that could lead to a new convert, and that moment becoming a catalyst to the starting of a new church-- a growing, thriving church with people intent on starting more conversations that lead to more converts and more churches, and the cycle continues.
"Whatever it takes" means starting a conversation that could lead to a new convert, and that moment becoming a catalyst to the starting of a new church-- a growing, thriving church with people intent on starting more conversations that lead to more converts and more churches, and the cycle continues.
National AAEO Goal: $70,000,000
(Excerpted from http://www.anniearmstrong.com/anniearmstrongpb.aspx?pageid=13304)
For more information on the week of prayer and daily prayer foci, visit the NAMB Annie Armstrong web site.
September 2012
September 11- Cry Out America
On September 11, 2001, America was shaken to its foundation by a series of surprise terrorist attacks. All of us were awakened to the new reality of global terrorism. 10 years later our nation needs to be awakened again, not just to the threats of terrorism, but to our critical spiritual condition...In response to our nation’s need and God’s Biblical and historical pattern for bringing awakening to America, we are calling for extraordinary, united prayer.
Meet at your parish courthouse with other Believers on September 11 to pray for our nation.
Cry Out America web site
September 16-23- Week of Prayer for State Missions (Georgia Barnette Offering)
Georgia Barnette Offering web site
September 26- See You at the Pole
"See You at the Pole™ is a student-initiated, student organized, and student-led event. That means this is all about students meeting at their school flagpole to pray—for their school, friends teachers, government, and their nation. See You at the Pole™ is not a demonstration, political rally, nor a stand for or against anything." (From the SYATP web site.)
Encourage your church's youth and youth pastor to participate!
SYATP web site
September 26 - November 4- 40/40 Prayer Vigil
Sponsored by the ERLC of the Southern Baptist Convention, 40/40 is a 40 day period of prayer dedicated to crying out the the Lord for revival in our country.
40/40 web site
On September 11, 2001, America was shaken to its foundation by a series of surprise terrorist attacks. All of us were awakened to the new reality of global terrorism. 10 years later our nation needs to be awakened again, not just to the threats of terrorism, but to our critical spiritual condition...In response to our nation’s need and God’s Biblical and historical pattern for bringing awakening to America, we are calling for extraordinary, united prayer.
Meet at your parish courthouse with other Believers on September 11 to pray for our nation.
Cry Out America web site
September 16-23- Week of Prayer for State Missions (Georgia Barnette Offering)
Georgia Barnette Offering web site
September 26- See You at the Pole
"See You at the Pole™ is a student-initiated, student organized, and student-led event. That means this is all about students meeting at their school flagpole to pray—for their school, friends teachers, government, and their nation. See You at the Pole™ is not a demonstration, political rally, nor a stand for or against anything." (From the SYATP web site.)
Encourage your church's youth and youth pastor to participate!
SYATP web site
September 26 - November 4- 40/40 Prayer Vigil
Sponsored by the ERLC of the Southern Baptist Convention, 40/40 is a 40 day period of prayer dedicated to crying out the the Lord for revival in our country.
40/40 web site
July 2011
July 3- Call 2 Fall
"The Call 2 Fall is nothing fancy. No slick program. No big production. Just setting aside a definite time during worship on July 3, 2011 when you call your people to get on their knees and faces before the Lord in repentant prayer for God to reshape our lives and renew our land.
Call 2 Fall on our knees is for every Christ-follower in America. Specifically, there are multiplied millions of believers who realize that America is in trouble and that neither Washington nor Wall Street has the answers. We are hoping that at least 40,000 churches will join in a corporate act of humility, repentance, and desperate prayer on our knees before the Lord."
(from the Call2Fall web site)
http://www.call2fall.com/basics
"The Call 2 Fall is nothing fancy. No slick program. No big production. Just setting aside a definite time during worship on July 3, 2011 when you call your people to get on their knees and faces before the Lord in repentant prayer for God to reshape our lives and renew our land.
Call 2 Fall on our knees is for every Christ-follower in America. Specifically, there are multiplied millions of believers who realize that America is in trouble and that neither Washington nor Wall Street has the answers. We are hoping that at least 40,000 churches will join in a corporate act of humility, repentance, and desperate prayer on our knees before the Lord."
(from the Call2Fall web site)
http://www.call2fall.com/basics
June
June 15-16- Southern Baptist Convention Please pray for Godly wisdom for the leaders of our denomination and for the messengers who will be attending and voting. http://www.sbcannualmeeting.net/sbc10/default.asp Pray also for those who will be evangelizing through Crossover Orlando, and for God to open the hearts of all with whom they come in contact. The Crossover Orlando team asks that we pray for:
- volunteers to go out and evangelize
- volunteers to meet to pray at the convention site for those who are evangelizing
BAGBR Prayer Ministry '11-'12 Annual Report
BAGBR Prayer Ministry
2011-2012 Annual Report
Michelle Lesley – Associational
Prayer Coordinator
In keeping with the BAGBR Prayer Ministry’s primary mission
of praying for revival in our churches, and its secondary missions: prayer
networking and special prayer events, the following were the Prayer Ministry’s
areas of focus for 2010-2011:
BAGBR Prayer Coordinators :
It is the goal of the BAGBR Prayer Ministry to secure a
representative from each of the 100+ churches in our association to serve with
the Prayer Ministry as a BAGBR Prayer Coordinator. At this time, ten of our churches are
fielding BAGBR Prayer Coordinators .
Distance Prayer Coordinators
Due to the geographical size of the association, many
churches which may wish to field BAGBR Prayer Coordinators
are not within convenient driving distance of the Prayer Ministry’s mandatory
monthly Prayer Coordinator meetings.
These churches may now field Distance Prayer
Coordinators , who stay connected with the BAGBR Prayer
Ministry electronically. No churches are
currently fielding Distance Prayer Coordinators .
Prayer Initiatives:
The “Pump up Your
Pastor Prayer Program”
BAGBR Prayer Coordinators
designate a special time of prayer for their pastors on Saturdays, then leave a
voice mail or e-mail at the pastor’s office letting him know how he was prayed
for. They encourage their fellow church
members to participate as well.
BAGBR Regional Prayer Coordinators
and the Associational Prayer Coordinator pray for all pastors (and e-mail them
if an e-mail address is available) in the association whose churches are not
represented by a BAGBR Prayer Coordinator.
Every BAGBR pastor is prayed for
at least weekly.
Bride Awake Prayer Meetings
Bride Awake prayer
meetings are a focused time of praying for our BAGBR pastors and for God to
send revival to our association.
Currently held monthly (usually on the first Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at a BAGBR area church), all BAGBR
pastors, staff, and church members are urged to attend.
House of Prayer Conferences
The goal of the House
of Prayer conference is to assist a church in returning to the Biblical
mandate to be a house of prayer (Is. 56:7, Matt. 21:13) A 1-3 person team of
BAGBR Prayer Coordinators will come in, at a
church’s request, and conduct a prayer conference tailored to the church’s
spiritual needs and time constraints.
This service is available to all BAGBR churches at no cost.
Pray as You Go
BAGBR Prayer Coordinators
and their church members are encouraged to pray for BAGBR churches (as well as
other churches) and pastors as they pass by these churches during their daily
commute to work or errands around the association.
Special Prayer Events :
Over the past year, BAGBR Prayer
Coordinators have promoted the following special prayer
events to their churches and in their communities:
Cry Out America
Week of Prayer for State Missions (Georgia Barnette
Offering)
See You at the Pole
10/40 Window Sunday
40/40 Prayer Vigil
Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
Week of Prayer for International Missions (Lottie Moon
Offering)
Awaken 2012
SBC Call to Prayer
Week of Prayer for North American Missions (Annie Armstrong
Offering)
Awaken – Wave of Prayer
Seek God for the City
National Day of Prayer
Day of Prayer and Fasting for World Evangelism
Intercession for the Southern Baptist Convention
Call 2 Fall
National Day of
Prayer
On May 3, 2012 ,
the BAGBR Prayer Ministry hosted a city-wide prayer meeting at Florida
Blvd. Baptist Church Baton Rouge , in celebration of the
National Day of Prayer. BAGBR pastors led participants in prayer, focusing on
the church, the family, social issues, and government/world events.
Prayer Networking:
Prayer Requests
The BAGBR Prayer Ministry maintains an e-mail database of
BAGBR churches and disseminates prayer requests which are relevant to
particular regions or to the association at large.
Publicity and
Consulting Assistance
The BAGBR Prayer Ministry is available to advise churches
conducting their own in-house prayer events, conferences, rallies, etc. If the church would like to encourage others
in the association to attend its event, the Prayer Ministry is available to
help get the word out to churches across the region or association.
“Pray BAGBR” on
Facebook
The “Pray BAGBR” Facebook page is open to all BAGBR pastors,
staff, and church members. The Pray
BAGBR page informs members of upcoming prayer events, disseminates (anonymous)
prayer requests relevant to the association at large as requested, encourages
participation in the “Pump up Your Pastor Prayer Program”, and makes members
aware of current prayer resources and materials.
For more information on any of the items mentioned above,
please see our web site or contact Associational Prayer Coordinator, Michelle
Lesley, via e-mail or the BAGBR office.
E-mail: praybagbr@yahoo.com
Web site: www.bagbrprayer.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PrayBAGBR
A Praying Life (Paul Miller)
 |
| A Praying Life by Paul Miller |
Click here for a great review of Paul Miller's A Praying Life by Lynn Blackburn of The Vessel Project.
A Praying Life is available at:
January 2012
Awaken 2012- Jan. 2-22
Two hundred years ago, Baptists heard the voice of God in a new and fresh way that called them to Louisiana...However, during this 200 years of ministry in Louisiana there has never been a spiritual awakening, a movement of God that sweeps across the state changing the lives of people, churches, and ultimately, the culture.
Imagine what could happen if more than a half-a-million people, young and old, men and women of all races in Louisiana humbled themselves before the face of Almighty God? ...It’s Time!
Click here for more information on how your church can participate.
SBC Call to Prayer-January 2012
In January 2012 Southern Baptists are once again being called to a time of prayer and spiritual awakening. The Southern Baptist Convention Call to Prayer is an opportunity to focus on praying missionally.
"I can't think of a better way for our churches to start the New Year than to be in prayer for our families, our churches, our new church plants, and our efforts to reach the un-reached people groups of the world," said NAMB president, Kevin Ezell.
Click here for resources and information on how your church can participate.
Two hundred years ago, Baptists heard the voice of God in a new and fresh way that called them to Louisiana...However, during this 200 years of ministry in Louisiana there has never been a spiritual awakening, a movement of God that sweeps across the state changing the lives of people, churches, and ultimately, the culture.
Imagine what could happen if more than a half-a-million people, young and old, men and women of all races in Louisiana humbled themselves before the face of Almighty God? ...It’s Time!
SBC Call to Prayer-January 2012
In January 2012 Southern Baptists are once again being called to a time of prayer and spiritual awakening. The Southern Baptist Convention Call to Prayer is an opportunity to focus on praying missionally.
"I can't think of a better way for our churches to start the New Year than to be in prayer for our families, our churches, our new church plants, and our efforts to reach the un-reached people groups of the world," said NAMB president, Kevin Ezell.
Click here for resources and information on how your church can participate.
December 2011
Week of Prayer for International Missions (Lottie Moon Offering)- Dec. 4-11
If you are a follower of Jesus, you are part of the task to fulfill the Great Commission.
Paul says, "All of you together are Christ's body, and each of you is a part of it" (I Corinthians 12:27). Jesus has commissioned us to be His heart, His hands, His voice. Through praying, giving, and going, Southern Baptists have fulfilled this legacy for more than 160 years.
What can you do, individually? Start by being "Southern Baptist missions" through your prayers to be an extension of His heart, ands and voice...
For resources and more information, click here.
February 2013
February 13 - March 24: Seek God for the City
As we come to Him–seeking His face, He comes to us–bringing His kingdom. Pray God's greatest hopes during the 40 days leading to Palm Sunday. It's an ideal time to pursue God's promises for your city, for the deepest needs of your community. Pray for urgent needs with long-range vision, with practical passion. Simple, powerful prayers open your heart to God’s purposes. Cultivate sincere desire to know Christ and see Him glorified in your world.
For more information or to order SGFTC prayer guides, visit the Waymakers web site.
Current Events and the National Day of Prayer 2010
Over the past week, there has been quite a lot of news, hype, and internet gossip about the recent turns of events surrounding the National Day of Prayer.
Here's what's going on:
Here's what's going on:
- Last week, President Obama announced that the White House will not be holding an official event recognizing the National Day of Prayer as past Presidents have sometimes (not always) done. He will instead issue a "paper proclamation" declaring Thursday, May 6, to be the National Day of Prayer. There will still be events held at other venues in Washington, D.C., which many legislators are planning to attend.
- Also last week, "in Wisconsin, U.S. Federal Judge Barbara Crabb ruled in favor of the Freedom from Religion Foundation, which argued that the government setting aside a day of prayer violates the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Specifically, FFRF is challenging the constitutionality of a 1988 federal law giving the president of the United States the authority to designate the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer." (from the NDP web site) At the moment, this ruling is essentially moot with regard to this year's National Day of Prayer because the ruling is under appeal.
NDP was signed into law by Harry Truman in 1952. The law was amended by President Reagan in 1988 to state that NDP would be observed on the first Thursday in May. Currently, most large scale NDP events are publicized and coordinated by the National Day of Day of Prayer Task Force, chaired by Shirley Dobson. (This is a private organization, not a governmental office.) There are also state and local level NDP organizations which coordinate NDP events throughout the United States.
In practice, the law establishing the National Day of Prayer is similar to the law establishing Thanksgiving Day. It sets aside a certain day for a general purpose and is largely ceremonial. As with celebrating Thanksgiving, the government cannot, by virtue of this law, tell you:
- that you MUST celebrate NDP,
- that you must celebrate it on the first Thursday in May,
- that you must celebrate it by praying,
- that you must pray to the God of the Bible,
- in what way, with what words, with whom, where, or how long to pray.
Likewise, even if the law establishing NDP is eventually declared unconstitutional (Judge Crabb's ruling is currently under appeal) and repealed, the government, at this point in time, cannot tell you that you CANNOT celebrate NDP. Right now, you are free to organize an NDP event at your home, church or Christian school, and, as long as you follow currently existing state and local laws, pretty much anywhere else that will agree to host you or in any public place where free assemblies of this nature are permitted.
In a way, these recent events have really been a blessing in disguise. They have generated an enormous amount of free and timely publicity for NDP, publicity that reaches far more people than the NDP Task Force's public relations department or churches could hope to reach. It has also renewed the resolve of many to consciously set aside May 6 as a day of prayer as a way of declaring their disagreement with these two governmental decisions and standing in favor of the freedom of religion.
The BAGBR prayer ministry urges pastors, staff, prayer coordinators, and church members to take advantage of the interest and awareness of NDP created by these recent decisions, by hosting your own National Day of Prayer event. If you're looking for some ideas or resources, check out the NDP web site, or contact Michelle Lesley at praybagbr@yahoo.com or through the BAGBR office.
Information for this article was taken from various sources including:
Fox News: The President's NDP declaration
AP: Judge Crabb's decision
NDPTF Web Site
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