People still need prayer
By Dr. Rick Vance
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
–– Matthew 18:19-20
For more than 40 years, Methodist Men have supported the prayer ministry of the Upper Room.
In 1996, General Conference created the General Commission on United Methodist Men and the new agency joined the National Association of Conference Presidents and the United Methodist Foundation in support of the Upper Room Prayer Center by providing funds for a toll-free telephone line and hosting regional call-in centers.
In 2017, the “800” toll line was replaced an online “prayer wall” that now accepts prayer requests from people around the world.
While the process of receiving prayer requests has changed, the basic need is the same. There are people in need of prayer, and UM Men around the world have made a commitment to pray for these people. Since the change in technology, there have been some men who once operated remote prayer lines are hesitant of the change.
Essentially though, nothing has really changed. People are still contacting The UMC asking for prayer. The only new thing is that each man, men’s unit, district, or jurisdiction now has the ability to pray for and leave the prayer on the prayer wall. Men can and do still gather in groups and pray for people who have requested prayer.
The Center for Men’s Ministries has prepared a brief sheet that gives some suggestions for your prayer ministry utilizing the “Prayer Wall.” Please go here for more information.
If you have questions or wish additional resources, please contact the Center for Men’s Ministries (615/620-7077).
The Rev. Dr. Rick Vance, director of the Center for Men’s Ministries
General Commission on UM Men