Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Jackson, TN
Saturday, September 04, 2010
Aldersgate--Where ALL means ALL

Prayer and Praise

Prayer is primary in a Christian's life.  Sometimes we find it difficult to find time to pray or a place to pray.  Maybe we feel like we are inadequate or don't know how to pray.  God loves all of his children and is always there to listen to our prayers no matter when, where, or how simple our prayers might be -- no child of God can pray a bad prayer.
 
There are different forms of prayer a Christian can practice.  By practicing them we can deepen our experience with God.  We don't have to be an expert or try to impress God or others with our prayers.  The point in praying regularly is to love God and to learn of God.
 
Here are a few types of prayer:
  •  Thanksgiving -- Giving thanks to God for all things in our lives -- God's protection, blessings, provisions and mostly His Son Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 --"Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
  • Conversational -- This is talking to God and listening to God.  We talk to Him as friend to friend.
  • Petition -- We ask God for specific things we need in our lives.  "Give us our daily bread" -- things we need to survive.
  • Intercessory Prayer -- Love on our knees for others.  We do this individually or as a community of believers.  We lift up specific concerns or joys to God.  James 5:13 -- 16 -- "Is any one among you suffering?  Let him pray.  Is any cheerful?  Let him sing praise.  Is any among you sick?  Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.  Therefore confess your sins to one another, and prayer for one another, that you may be healed."
  • Meditative -- Silent prayer, listening and waiting upon the Lord -- meditative, contemplative, and centering prayer.  We are neither speaking nor being spoken to.  We are resting in the wonderful presence of God and His precious love.

Prayer Requests

Prayer requests are always welcome at Aldersgate.  If you would like to contribute your prayer request online, fill out contact information below; however, if you would prefer not to leave your request online you are welcome to fill out the prayer request section on the weekly bulletin and place it in the collection plate.  Please contact the church office by phone to talk directly with Bro. Barry at (731) 427-4887.
 

Contact Information for Prayer Request

 
Please share my prayer publicly during worship service and also publish in the weekly newsletter.
Yes
Please share my prayer only with the pastor of Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
Yes
 
The staff at Aldersgate is committed to protecting the privacy of all individuals.  If you have indicated that your prayer request may be shared online, please do not share anyone's full name or any contact information of any kind.
 
Please share with us your prayer request in the text field below:
 
Request
 
 
 
 For further information and resources on prayer, please visit www.cokesbury.com and www.upperroom.org.