“Lord, teach us to pray.”
This was the request, the plea, the prayer of Jesus’ disciples — and it’s ours as well. For several months this winter season, we are pondering the mystery of prayer by going deeper into Scripture with Jesus as our guide. Here are some resources to help us along the way.
Soaking Prayer & Prayer Ministry
We have an active and vibrant prayer ministry at First Presbyterian Church. Why not use this as an opportunity to go deeper with trusted brothers and sisters in Christ?
Prayer Ministers are available after every Sunday Worship Service and would be happy to pray with you. You can also contact these prayer ministers if you would like to set up an appointment to receive prayer in a quiet, confidential setting. (Please call the church office for more information.)
Soaking Prayer is offered on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 7:00pm in the sanctuary. This is a time to receive prayer in a non-threatening, Spirit-filled environment. Simply come into the sanctuary, write your prayer requests on a card offered to you, and rest in silence as our prayer ministers lift you up to the Lord in prayer.
Prayer Retreat
Join us for a church-wide gathering on March 21, 2020 to go deeper in the practice of prayer. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall at 9:00am, spend time in group discussion, and take time to actually pray before breaking for lunch at 12:00pm. There's no cost, but please do RSVP by calling the church office (586-4256) or visiting our Facebook Event page so that we know how much food to get. Come and bring a friend — no experience necessary!
Books, Devotionals, and Study Guides
There are more books on prayer than anyone could ever read! Where should you begin? Here are some resources that I (Blake) have found especially helpful in my journey with Jesus:
For a general introduction to prayer: Richard Foster, Prayer
Richard Foster is the founder and former president of Renovaré, an interdenominational Christian ministry that focuses on spiritual formation. I read through this book when I was first ordained in Raleigh and found Foster’s wisdom and insights to be profoundly helpful, especially for a beginner in the school of prayer!
For a guide to praying with Scripture, especially the Psalms: Eugene Peterson, Answering God
Eugene Peterson is one of my favorite writers and thinkers. In this book he not only explores the importance of prayer for the Christian life, but he opens up the Psalms as the prayer-book of the Bible. In these cries of joy and lament (and everything in between), we see every human emotion laid bare before the face of God.
For a short, grace-filled daily devotional: Brennan Manning, Reflections for Ragamuffins
This was my devotional in my first year of marriage to Erin, and I can still picture the kitchen table in Costa Rica where we would sit each morning and drink our coffee and read this book. Manning was a master teacher of the Gospel of Grace, and this book — full of insights from his various other books — does not disappoint. Read a page each day and be challenged and encouraged by the goodness of God.
For a longer devotional that focuses on morning, noontime, and evening prayer: Phyllis Tickle, The Divine Hours
To go deeper in prayer, many Christians take on the practice of praying “the hours,” which refers to praying three, five, or even seven times a day on a regularly-scheduled rhythm. These books (three in all) provide guidance for doing this. Tickle was an Episcopalian and draws heavily from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer, but this is a helpful resource for anyone desiring an ordered prayer life. It has been my guide for years, one that I read nearly every weekday morning.
For a study of prayer through an ancient lens: Gabriel Bunge, Earthen Vessels
I read through this book in 2016, during my first Lenten season in Sylva, and it quickly became one of my favorites. Bunge began as a Catholic priest and monk and later converted to Orthodoxy, and his writing represents his commitment to both the church and the Great Tradition of the Christian faith. Read this book for a look at how the communion of saints have prayed through the ages, and be encouraged to go and do likewise.
Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive: there are so many other resources for you to explore. Many of our church members have benefited from Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest. Many have enjoyed Philip Yancey and Timothy Keller’s recent books (both called Prayer). Many of our prayer ministers have been blessed by the ministry of Presbyterian Reformed Ministries International. Ask the Lord and your trusted friends to help you and to teach you as we go deeper in prayer together.
Yours in Christ for the journey ahead,
Blake