Prayer

What is Prayer Ministry?

Prayer Ministry is founded on the concept that in living the Christian life we are growing into a relationship with God which changes us. John the Baptist called his hearers to repent and believe. Paul instructed the Colossian and Ephesian Christians to take off the old nature and put on the new, and he explained to the Corinthians and the Romans that they were to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. All these phrases are ways of saying that when we enter into a relationship with God through our commitment to Jesus, then we have the spiritual resources within us to change – and change for the better.

But this process of change does not happen automatically. There are obstacles within us which prevent us from receiving what God wishes to give us. We may be carrying hurts from the past; we may have learned to behave in ways that do not reflect our identity in Christ; we may be locked into unhealthy habits and relationships which tie us down and rob us of peace; or we may be suffering from spiritual opposition – for we have a spiritual enemy whom the Apostle Peter says is prowling round us like a lion waiting to pounce.

For all these reasons it has been the practice of Christians, throughout the history of the Church, to turn to one another for prayer, to help one another to seek the forgiveness, healing and freedom promised for those who wish to frame their lives in the context of a relationship with Jesus Christ. Prayer Ministry is therefore an opportunity to be supported in prayer by those who, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, seek to guide others into everything good that God has for us.

How does it happen at Hope Church?

The Prayer Ministry team are all volunteers who have a desire to support others in prayer. They all receive on-going training and have been approved for ministry by the leadership team. Those who are serving on Sundays can be identified by their blue badges.

The Prayer Ministry Team primarily functions in two ways within the life of Hope Church:

1. Firstly, they are available to pray with people at the end of the Sunday gatherings - this may be in response to what God is doing in our hearts during the service, but can be for anything in our lives that requires support in prayer.

2. Secondly, the team members are available during the week, by appointment, for more in-depth prayer ministry. This usually happens in a home setting and is done in a discreet and confidential manner.

How can I find out more?

The Prayer Ministry Team is led by David & Sheilagh Smith. If you would like to discuss anything to do with Prayer Ministry, please contact them at prayerministry@hopecorby.org.