DID YOU KNOW . . . . ?
Lovingly submitted by Alice Gretsch, for the Herald, 2007.
Reprinted and edited for 2018.
Did you know
that the Collegiate dictionary defines the word chain as “something that binds” and the Bible dictionary simply defines this word as a “band”?
Did you know
that the Collegiate dictionary defines the word prayer as “a devout petition to, or any form of spiritual communion with God” while the Bible dictionary says that prayer is “a petition, supplication, or praise addressed to God”?
Did you know
that Christ Memorial Presbyterian Church (CMPC) – our spiritual community – has a Prayer Chain?
WHAT IS IT? HOW DOES IT WORK? WHAT DOES IT DO? HOW CAN I USE IT? WHY WOULD I USE IT? HOW CAN I BE A PART OF the PRAYER CHAIN?
Let’s start with, WHAT IS IT? As a member of the prayer chain I can tell you that it certainly is a “band.” You might even say it is a “band of prayer warriors.” That is a group of CMPC members who, through their faith and belief in God’s promise that “I will do whatever you ask in my name so that the Son may bring glory to the Father,” [John 14:13] are bound together in daily “petition, supplication, and praise” to our heavenly Father.
HOW DOES IT WORK? Each day during our prayer time, we praise God and thank Him for the joys He has given us; and we share with Him our concerns by asking Him to send the Holy Spirit to heal and comfort and to provide wisdom and power to His workers here on earth. These joys and concerns come to us in many ways: through the Sunday church bulletin, through phone calls, and through personal contact with friends, relatives, and even strangers. Each week an email is sent out to members.
WHAT DOES IT DO? Where do I begin? FIRST and foremost, it pays homage to our Creator as Peter urges us in I Peter 5:6 –“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.” Being part of the Prayer Chain also builds my relationship with God, my Father, and with my fellow Christian believers. While making me feel a part of God’s kingdom, it strengthens God’s kingdom that is within me. Being a part of the Prayer Chain reminds me again and again that I am not alone. God is with me, and He has sent others to be with me too!
HOW CAN I USE IT? Very easily. Simply contact the church by calling 410-997-8011 or by emailing the office@cmpcusa.org, contacting the minister, or Hyiwot Teshome at hyiwot@gmail.com or 240-535-6577 (mobile number also used for work, please leave a message, screened frequently) and ask that your joy or concern be put on the Prayer Chain. If the nature of your concern is such that you wish it only to be shared within the members of the Prayer Chain, then ask that your request be kept confidential. In this case, it will not be discussed anywhere and will only be prayed for privately by the Prayer Chain members.
- Your concern may be for yourself or for anyone you know regardless of the person’s church affiliation.
- If the situation of your concern improves or worsens, you are urged to update your Prayer request by contacting Hyiwot or the church office.
WHY WOULD I USE IT? You might well ask, why? Aren’t my own prayers enough? Certainly you are encouraged to lift your own voice to God. ALWAYS. But there is power in both shared joy and shared concerns. This power, brought by the Holy Spirit, encourages us, restores our hope, and reminds us of God’s unending love. If you’ve never asked anyone to pray for you or for your loved one, I urge with you to try it! Experience this power of the Holy Spirit! Amazingly it can bring joy in the midst of trials and tribulations – a joy that is rooted in knowing that God is walking with you and holding your hand.
Suppose I’d like to try being a part of this “band of prayers.” HOW CAN I JOIN? DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL TALENTS? You can be a part of CMPC’s Prayer Chain by emailing hyiwot@gmail.com or leave a message at 240-535-6577 (please leave a message, screened frequently). As for special talents, all you need is a willing heart. Start by asking God now if He is calling you to join this “band.” Ask with an open mind, and wait patiently for His answer. You’re on your way on an awesome journey. I guarantee you that the more you pray, the more you will be aware of God’s presence in your life. “Aware” is the key word. He is always there, but sometimes we forget.
“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say: Here I am.” [Isaiah 58:9] There IS something I can do!!!
Alice, Gretsch, A Prayer Chain member and believer