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And He (Jesus) said to them, It is written, “MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED
A HOUSE OF PRAYER” Matthew 21:13
Thank you so much for desiring to know more about the Concert of Prayer. It is our intention to give you the opportunity to have a very intimate time of prayer with the Lord. We want your heart to be in tune with the Holy Spirit so that all is done in His will. Since the Holy Spirit is our guide during this time, there is no written agenda. However, there are certain things that generally happen each evening. So you will be comfortable to pray and seek the Lord with us, we want you to be aware of them.
Generally there is a welcoming at the beginning of the evening from one of the elders. During this time there may be instruction from God’s Word, an outline of the evening’s important activities, instruction in areas of prayer, and an invocation.
Usually there will be a time of intercessory prayer. This is a time when individuals who are present, or representing someone who cannot be present, come and are prayed for by the elders and prayer leadership. If a person requests to be anointed with oil and prayed for by the elders, this would normally be done during this time. If you feel that you would like someone to pray for you, all you need do is come to the front pew and sit. When the next available person is ready, they will come and sit with you. It is not necessary that you share anything other than a need for prayer. This is not a time of counseling, but of prayer. The Lord is well aware of your need.
During the evening there is typically a time for worship. It can occur at anytime during the evening. Leadership will direct you during that time if necessary, but it is generally spontaneous. You will be able to sing along with words that are on the screen. It is not a mandatory activity; you are free to continue praying without participation.
The video screen will display Kingdom prayers for you to lift up if you feel led to do so. These are prayers that are concerned with the continuing effort of the Lord to build His kingdom at New Life and around the world. These requests have been taken over a long period of time and if you would like to add to them please let one of the elders know.
Also, from time to time, you will receive a list of prayer requests such as for the lost of our community or specific prayer needs. These will be available for you at the table as you enter.
On occasion, there will be a time of sharing answered prayers, inspirational words and events from life, and specific texts from Scripture. When that time comes, one of the elders or leaders will announce this and give instructions on how it will happen.
Some suggestions for your personal time of prayer include bringing your Bible, a list of prayer needs you have been given this week, and possibly a devotional or inspirational book. Also, please be aware of those around you who may desire to have someone pray with them. It is an informal time where whispered communication is possible. Many around you will have different prayer styles than you. You do not have to adopt their style and, if it is difficult for you to concentrate, feel free to move to another area of the room. No one will be offended.
With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18
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