One More Word

Some might wonder about the need for a prayer room ministry if people across the church are serious about the discipline of praying.   Of course, it goes without saying that nothing really takes the place of people praying for and within the church; yet, it can also be said that an effective prayer room can become a source of spiritual power for the church, a place which provides a visible reminder of the importance of prayer, and a tool for educating and promoting effective and widespread intercessory prayer within the church.   

Any prayer room ministry is likely to start small.  There is nothing wrong with a slow and small beginning.  Jesus underscored the way the Kingdom of God works as He used the mustard seed image.  Small beginnings are not only acceptable, but speak of the way of the Kingdom.  Beginning not only gets something started, but it also enables the unfolding of possibilities.  What begins with a couple of people for a limited amount of time can become that seed of faith which will grow a ministry that has widespread and even worldwide influence.  

One thing to consider is the presence of such a room and what it communicates to the whole church.  Even as the sanctuary declares the importance of worship so does a prayer room speak to the importance of prayer.  Its presence in a visible  and prominent place and the going and coming of people speaks loudly that praying is important here.  Its presence and ministry is a reminder to everyone that if there are prayer needs in their lives, there are people who are committed to pray.  While printing a list of prayer concerns in a bulletin is a reminder that folks have not been forgotten, the presence of a prayer room reminds people that someone is praying for them.