What is prayer?
Prayer is the way we make contact with God. It is also one of the most self-revealing acts of a human being. Through prayer, we let God know what we need and where we hurt. More importantly, prayer is listening for the voice of God in our lives. The Bible teaches that we are to pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
What is meant by the word "ministry"?
The word "ministry" means service. Christian servants are people who put themselves at God's disposal for the benefit of others. In the Bible, ministry is any activity for which God is able to say, "It is good" (Genesis 1:31). Ministry has significance to God when it is done in faith, hope and love (1 Corinthians 3:9-15; 13:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:3).
Praying with two or three others
There are several reasons why we pray together at Vineyard Columbus.
God hears and responds to the cries of needy people (Psalm 130:1-2; Matthew 7:7-8).
When we pray together, we join Jesus in his prayer for the people of God (John 15:7; 14:13; 17:1-26).
Prayer is the most direct way to know God (Ephesians 1:15-23).
When we pray together, we help one another to pray better (Ephesians 4:1-6).
Praying together is a way to love and serve one another (Ephesians 5:18).
Prayer is a primary way we see God working in people's lives through his Holy Spirit (Ephesians 6:18; Romans 8:26).
The community at Vineyard Columbus prays for others because we are commanded by the Word of God to do so. Also, we believe that we are encouraged to seek God's blessings of healing, encouragement and restoration.
How will I experience prayer ministry at Vineyard Columbus?
Prayer Ministry is a vital part of demonstrating the power and active presence of God's Kingdom. "Prayer Ministry Time" typically occurs during the last portion of our weekend services and small group meetings. The basic intent of this time is to provide an opportunity for anyone to receive prayer, and for those who are trained to pray for those who are in need. Prayer ministry is considered to be part of normal Christianity and generally will look like this:
A person will respond to an invitation to receive prayer.
A trained member of the congregation will approach an individual and introduce him/herself.
A brief interview (not a counseling session) will occur to help connect the prayer ministry member to the prayer need.
A prayer time will begin. Several activities routinely occur:
The prayer ministry person may lay hands on a person's head or shoulder. (They will usually ask permission).
The Holy Spirit may demonstrate his presence through physical experiences (feeling warm, chills, shaking, weeping, feeling weak-kneed, sweating, deep breathing, etc.) or through a deep sense of peace or conviction. These are common experiences.
The Prayer Ministry member may stop the prayer to inquire what the person is experiencing to better understand what God may be doing at that moment and how to direct the prayer time.
Periods of silence are common as the prayer team member and the one receiving prayer listen for God's voice.
At the end of the prayer, the prayer team member will close with a blessing and make a suggestion for personal action following the prayer.
Prayer Ministry is a vital part of demonstrating the power and active presence of God's kingdom. In fact, you will find it hard to be at Vineyard Columbus without having someone offer to pray for you or for others. For the community of believers here, prayer ministry is considered an important expression of "normal" Christianity and therefore one of the core values of our church.
For More Information Please contact the church by calling 614.890.0000 or email questions@vineyardcolumbus.org if you have any other questions or concerns about the prayer ministry.
