By Amy Miller, Intercessory Prayer Team Member

About ten years ago I was asked to help organize the National Day of Prayer (NDP) gathering in Zionsville. I had recently started what would be a ten year “sabbatical” from my working life, and I really welcomed some interactions with other adults after spending the days caring for my toddler, so I said yes. As I entered the first meeting of organization and corporate prayer prior to NDP, I was a little anxious, not having had much experience in praying out loud with other adults, especially those I had never met before. We spent some time with the details…publicity, order of events, assigning tasks…and then got ready to pray. As we began to approach our Savior and people started to praise, confess, give thanks, and pour out requests, I realized that this time of praying together was an incredibly powerful experience. Some people expressed themselves in eloquent ways, others in a simple, straightforward manner. The style didn’t matter, as it was so apparent that all the prayers were heartfelt and genuine. We had more meetings leading up to the NDP and I began to look forward to the times of prayer together with anticipation.

Quite a few years after this I again had an opportunity to participate in prayer with others I didn’t really know. I had known for years that some faithful prayer warriors at ZPC met on Monday mornings at 9:00 to lift up prayers submitted on Sunday mornings and through the website. The time had not worked for my schedule until two years ago. God opened my schedule and my heart to join his disciples in prayer. As we would come together, catch up on the week’s events, and lift up the prayers so faithfully submitted, I again recognized the power of the Holy Spirit with us in the chapel. I was reminded that everything we do as people and as the body of Christ should be based in prayer. What efforts of our own will succeed? We need to be immersed in prayer and be open to the guiding of the Holy Spirit, and then his work can be done in the world. As we move forward in our multiplying communities and as we pray for God’s work to be done through his faithful people in the global church, prayer must permeate our lives.

Not comfortable with prayer?  That is often the case. I encourage you to take a step of faith the next time you get an opportunity. God will bless your faithfulness and I am sure you will feel the power, the comfort, and the peace of his presence.

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.   Hebrews 4:16

Editor's Note: Amy Miller serves on ZPC's Intercessory Prayer Team. This is a group of people who pray for other people. You can submit a prayer request, fill out a card at the Welcome Center, or call the church office when you have a request. Be assured, all names and requests are kept confidiential to staff members and the team. If you are interested in praying with the group, contact Amy.