If you visited the bustling ministry fair section of the Saint Paul Area Synod Assembly this year, you may have caught sight of something unique. You may have found a group of three in a corner of the fellowship space, hands placed on the shoulders of one, heads bowed in prayer. Had you peeked into the chapel, you may have found a pastor being praying for as they seek to lead their community through grief. This year, the Saint Paul Area Synod Vitality Team did something a bit different at our ministry fair table. Sure, we handed out treats and brochures. We engaged in conversation about church life and answered questions about resources. But those browsing the aisles of ministry organizations and partners across our synod were offered something in addition to promotional pens, printed materials, and tasty candies we have come to depend on at synod assemblies.
Members of the synod’s Vitality Team wore signs around our necks reading, “Ask Me For Prayer.” Through our listening to the needs of deacons and pastors across our synod, we are intentionally focusing on the power of prayer in our work with leaders and congregations. We took what we were learning one step further and brought our praying spirits to work throughout the synod’s ministry fair. We prayed for difficult family situations, for those grieving. We prayed for God’s Spirit of peace upon those struggling with a newfound diagnosis or deep concern for a loved one going through something difficult. We prayed for leaders overwhelmed with the work of ministry, with the loneliness of leadership, with the pile of you-can’t-just-ignore-this waiting for them on their desk. We spent deep time in prayer for those willing to be vulnerable and pour out their hearts to us. We spoke words of assurance and hope for those whose pain was so tender they couldn’t bear to share much with us.
We took prayer requests written anonymously and placed in our prayer box. Our team gathered in the chapel after all the voting cards were stacked up and the sanctuary was empty and prayed together for those prayer submissions.
We were overwhelmed – in the best way imaginable – by those who came to us asking for prayer. By the faces that lit up when they read “Ask me for Prayer” hanging from our bodies. By those caring folks who wanted us to pray for someone or something that weighed heavy on their heart.
Prayer matters. Prayer changes things. Prayer is at the heart of who we are as followers of Christ. And prayer is vital to our work as a church.
How might you carry prayer with you out into the world?
Deacon Nina Joygaard – Synod Vitality Team
Faith, Forest Lake
