NOTES FROM A PRAYING CHURCH – Paul Miller

Becoming a People of Hope in a Discouraging World

A Brief Article

What does it look like to be a praying church? I think most importantly, it is a church choosing to reflect a deep commitment to prayer as a central part of the church’s life and ministry. Here are some key characteristics:

1. Leadership Committed to Prayer: The lead pastor and church leaders have a strong personal prayer life and model this commitment to the congregation.
2. Prayer-Infused Worship Services: Prayer is not just a formality but an integral part of worship services, with intentional and focused moments of prayer throughout the service.
3. Prayer in Small Groups: Small groups within the church learn God’s word together and facilitate meaningful prayer times, for each other, the church, and the world.
4. Dedicated Prayer Ministry: There is a person or team responsible for leading the prayer ministry, keeping prayer a priority in the church’s activities.
5. Prayer-Saturated Staff Meetings: Church staff meetings are deeply rooted in prayer, indicating a reliance on divine guidance rather than just human ability.
6. Intercession for Non-Believers: The church actively prays for non-believers by name, interceding for their salvation and breakthrough from spiritual darkness.
7. Teaching on Prayer: Opportunities are taken to teach not only the importance of prayer, but how to pray.

Prayer is not just an activity but the very fabric of its community life. It’s a place where every aspect, from leadership to lay members, is soaked in prayer, reflecting a deep dependence on God for guidance, strength, and mission.

“A Praying Church: Becoming a People of Hope in a Discouraging World” by Paul E. Miller is a compelling call to integrate prayer deeply into the life of the church. In his book he addresses why we should be a praying church. He discusses the following:

1. Why Pray Together? – When believers come together in prayer, they align themselves with God’s will and experience a unique communal power that individual prayer cannot replicate.
2. What Is the Church? – It’s a community. The church is not just a gathering of individuals but a body that prays together, supporting and strengthening each other in faith.
3. How the Spirit Reshapes a Praying Community – It is the Holy Spirit guiding and reshaping a community through prayer.
4. The Art of Praying Together – Miller offers practical advice on how to pray together effectively and how to foster an environment where every member feels comfortable and valued in their contributions.
5. Specialized Praying in Community – This final section provides a wealth of suggestions for incorporating prayer into various church activities.

Miller’s main point is that prayer should be at the heart of the church’s life. Our dependence must be on God, through His word and with much prayer. His book challenges churches to become places where prayer is not just an activity but the very heartbeat of the community.

Christ Church is our community. Let’s continue to live out all of life in light of the gospel “treasuring Christ, maturing in His love, and spreading His glory.” And let’s saturate this in prayer, for His glory and our good.