Here at Christ Church we include a written list of names of people that the Intercessor reads. These names are usually called in by the parishioners, staff or clergy. Sometimes the names are added at the last minute after a parishioner tells one of the priests or staff members about an immediate and specific need for prayer. In the past the list of names had been collected in the office and the names generally remained on the list for one month.
How can we keep the names of those who are sick or in need before us in a more meaningful way? Does the one time entering of a name on a list or a phone call cause us to pray intentionally for those individuals on our parish prayer list?
Recently the clergy and staff have developed a more intentional method for the listing of names for prayer in the Communion service.
Beginning in September of this year:
- A book will be placed in the Narthex where individuals can write down the names of people for intercessory prayer. This book will be in plain sight and available at all Sunday services.
- We ask that the full name of the person to be prayed for be listed along with a specific prayer request.
- Names can be e-mailed or called into the parish office at any time if an individual is unable to physically come in for any reason.
- Prayers can be for thanksgiving as well as intercession. It is appropriate to thank God for the many and varied blessings in our lives.
- The parish prayer list will also be available on our parish webpage or at the office in a hard copy.
Starting in September, during all Holy Communion services we will read the only names of those who are hospitalized, those who are celebrating anniversaries or birthdays and finally those who have died. We will not read the extended prayer list in the service. The clergy person or the lay reader however will bid verbal intercessions by asking, “. . . are there others?” and pausing briefly to allow response when reading the Prayers of the People. Our hope is that this will allow a personal aspect to the Prayers of the People while not having to read an unwieldy list of names.
Sometimes anonymity is needed or preferred by a parishioner. If this is the case, Father Joel and Father Eric keep a private prayer list. An individual may e-mail or call them to leave a private prayer request.
Remember anyone can write down names for prayer. If there is a specific need, that need should be mentioned. Also, prayers can be for thanksgiving as well as intercession. It is appropriate to thank God for the many and varied blessings in our lives.
As a side note; I am praying that there will be a group of parishioners who may be called to restart an active Order of Saint Luke. This is an Episcopal Church healing prayer ministry with a long and noble tradition of lay prayer for healing. I know that there was an OSL group at one time but it is not active now. Every parish needs a lay prayer ministry that is primarily for healing prayer and I believe the time is ripe for such a ministry here at Christ Church now. If you are interested or feel called to such a ministry contact Father Joel either in person or by e-mail at fatherjoel@tampabay.rr.com or fatherjoel@christchurchswfla.org.
Prayer is a vital part of being a member of the Body of Christ. We hope the new efforts will help us remember more intentionally those individuals we pray for on a daily and weekly basis. Remember that if you forget to add a name to the prayer list it is completely correct and appropriate to verbally add the name when the Intercessor pauses after bidding intercessions or thanksgivings. This verbal prayer is a true sharing of Christian concern. Finally, we need to recall the words of the Apostle Paul when he said, “Pray without ceasing!”
