During this time especially, many will benefit from our prayers and will appreciate knowing they are on our minds. In saying this, we want to encourage anyone who would like to be included with our IPM ministry during the coming weeks to join us. In keeping with the “stay at home” requests, our Intercessory Prayer Warriors have been praying and corresponding from home during this crisis period. The prayer ministry is distributing the prayer request list weekly via e-mail and correspondence supplies are available at the drive-through of the Epworth Building. To become a “Prayer Warrior,” simply call or email the church office at 706-342-3325 or office@madisonfumc.com.
The mission of the Intercessory Prayer Ministry is to bring to God, through Jesus Christ, the concerns of our congregation, our city, our community and the world by the prayers of individuals and groups. Madison First UMC is a praying church. This ministry, which began with 37 volunteers in 1998, has grown considerably over the years. The prayer warriors are everyday men and women much like you. Most pray alone. Some pray as couples. Some pray as entire families. The volunteers range in age from preschool to ninety-two. Some are retired. Many are employed. Though not everyone writes notes, during a typical week, these volunteers write approximately 100 cards and letters to persons who need comfort, consolation and support. Prayer warriors commit to praying in one of two prayer rooms at the church for one specific hour each week for 16-weeks.
Testimonials about our Intercessory Prayer Ministry
The ministry has realized some awesome answers to prayer – some miraculous healings of body and spirit. God doesn’t always answer prayers in visible, altogether understandable ways. Intercessory prayer is, however, a powerful resource. In spite of prayers that appear to be unanswered, intercessory prayer does work! It is the greatest gift we can give to another person. As one volunteer said, “We’re standing in the gap for others when they either cannot pray or desperately need our prayers.”
-Intercessory prayer is a “two-way street”. It sustains the volunteer as well as the recipient.
James 5:16
-Pray for one another so that you may be healed… Effective prayer… can accomplish much.
Hebrews 7:25
To believe that our praying makes a difference, and to pray even when it seems that we cannot act is to link ourselves with Christ in His ongoing intercession, since “He always lives to make intercession for us.”
The Intercessory Prayer Ministry is open to anyone who can commit an hour a week to praying for others. We welcome anyone who would like to become a volunteer.