The coming of a new year invites us to look for what is new. The Bible teaches us that God does new things. If I want to prepare myself for the Good News of what is new, where do I begin?

A place to start is prayer. 

Consider the beginning of the church in the Book of Acts. Before the gospels were written, there was the church—a group of Christ’s followers gathered in prayer. The Holy Spirit descended upon these diverse but ordinary people, who joined in prayer and united in heart. This is the beginning of our faith tradition. In this moment God does something new, creating a new community of faith. 

It’s as new today as it was then, because the church is not a mere human organization. With the fulfillment of God‘s promises, the church becomes a living presence, the Body of Christ. She is not an organization with a mystery, but a mystery with organization, a dynamic organism enlivened by God’s Spirit (Ephesians 2:22). 

The secret of attuning ourselves to God’s Spirit is no secret. It’s prayer.

People in all places and at all times have practiced prayers in various forms. But the church began a tradition of intercessory prayer, praying for one another, which is vital for us today. It was vital for Jesus, who “early in the morning withdrew to a quiet place.” 

I know I pray more frequently and more intentionally thanks to our own church. Galilee’s practice of intercessory prayer helps to shape my prayer life, as it does for others. 

For years, our office hero Mickie Stalcup has organized the Prayer Chain through email. I asked Mickie what this ministry of prayer means to her.

“I believe in the power of prayer and I love to hear about prayers that were answered,” says Mickie. “Even when the answer is not what was wanted, I know God is in charge. One thing I always try to remember and have told people who are struggling is that none of what is going on is a surprise to God. He already knows what is happening and what will happen. He has a plan. We just have to live into it and allow God to be God. Easier said than done, but I do believe it.

I love to hear the joys that people want to pass on but it is just as important – if not more so – to hear about the struggles people face. I often say that praying is both the least we can do and the most we can do. Praying doesn’t have to take hours, I believe God hears the breath prayers just as well as He hears the prayers of the people who spend hours on their knees. Every prayer is important to God, so they are important to the people who ask for them and to the people who pray them.”

I invite you to contact Mickie and ask to receive Prayer Chain emails which share so many joys and concerns in a spirit of compassion and confidentiality. If you are wondering how to pray for others, simply read the emails you receive in an attitude of prayer. I begin by saying, “Lord in your mercy hear our prayers,” and read the email.

You can request prayers for your own concerns, too. We want to pray for you! Details about requesting prayers and joining the Prayer Chain can be found here.

Together—enlivened by the Spirit —we are the church that prays. This ancient tradition is made new for us in every prayer. Just as every prayer matters, every pray-er matters. That means me and you!