Begin a Prayer Circle

June 7, 2022

“It really was as simple as creating a space for those who wanted to pray to come and do it. We didn’t take a lot of time, sharing requests, because the group got so big so fast and we didn't want to break into smaller groups at that time. We didn’t do anything complicated, we just felt the need and joined together to pray.” 

by Jered Spano


When I graduated from Walla Walla College and entered my first church district God placed a burden on my heart to give prayer a more prominent pace in our church. I was an intern at the time and so I approached my mentor, the senior pastor with the idea. He loved it.


There were several challenges we were facing in pulling this off, however. For one, we already had a prayer meeting, and it was more of a book reading time than an actual time of prayer, and the leaders were pretty set in their ways. Changing something that is established, and a tradition is not usually easy, so rather than try to change prayer meeting at that time we decided it would need to be at a different time. The problem then was, when?


We decided that Sabbath would have the best chance of exposure and participation. So, we approached the worship coordinators. They were all excited, except one, the head. We wanted it to be part of the actual worship service, but the head coordinator said it would make the service too long and suggested that people would be frustrated at getting out later. The head coordinator then said, "this idea will never work." 


I left the meeting really discouraged. I shared my heart with the senior pastor after the meeting and his reply was simple, "We are the pastors, and we are going to do it anyway." To avoid conflict with the head worship coordinator we decided to do it at the end of the worship service, after the church had been dismissed.


I preached a sermon on the privilege of prayer and the power God promised to give us if we would humble ourselves and pray. Then as I closed the sermon, I said, “After the postlude we will start a new tradition for all who want to join. I invite you to meet me at the front of the church for prayer.” So as others exited the building after church, those who wanted to stay and pray went to the front of the church.


The first Sabbath we probably had about a dozen people who joined us to pray together. The focus of our prayer was ultimately, the direction God would lead us as a church, and His blessing of our efforts to be faithful and live a life of service. Some would share burdens on their hearts as they prayed, but we all kept the main focus the main focus. It really was as simple as creating a space for those who wanted to pray to come and do it. We didn’t take a lot of time, sharing requests, because the group got so big so fast and we didn't want to break into smaller groups at that time. We didn’t do anything complicated, we just felt the need and joined together to pray.” 


News

By Isaac Meythaler April 16, 2025
Key points included the church's financial position and GC rules of order.
By Isaac Meythaler April 16, 2025
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency faces major funding reductions as a new leader takes over.
An Aerial view of Camp MiVoden showing a lake with a dock in the middle of the woods.
By Isaac Meythaler April 14, 2025
Thanks to longstanding effort and dedication, Camp MiVoden has achieved a key goal by remaining under budget for two years in a row as of this year.
A nativity scene on a float decorated with christmas lights.
By Isaac Meythaler April 7, 2025
KLRF Radio took a new approach to share hope with the Walla Walla Valley last Christmas.
By Isaac Meythaler April 7, 2025
Serve Summit, held at Ellensburg Church on Feb. 21-22, marked a significant moment in the church's efforts to engage with and serve its local community.
By Dustin Jones March 25, 2025
Littell previously served as the director of education and superintendent at Oklahoma Conference.
Shine 104.9 Chaplain Tyler Kern has his beard shaved off by one of his sons as part of a pledge goal
By Isaac Meythaler March 19, 2025
Listener support and innovative pledge goals successfully "razered" funds during Shine 104.9's Annual Spring Friendraiser.
The ACS Thrift Store in Troy, ID being remodeled
By Isaac Meythaler March 11, 2025
Distance made the heart grow fonder for residents of Troy, Idaho, after ten long months of separation from a trusted community member: The local ACS thrift store and food bank.
By David Jamieson March 5, 2025
President Jamieson shares recent actions from Executive Committee to address financial challenges.
The theme of the 2025 National Day of Prayer is
By Kathy Marson March 4, 2025
Churches considering a community event can hold a special National Day of Prayer event!
More Posts