Welcome

Hello! We are thrilled to welcome you to the Neighborhood Church Prayer Team! The purpose of this item is simple yet vital: to care for our community through the power of prayer.

Why Prayer Matters

Prayer isn't just a religious ritual; it's our lifeline to God Himself. At Neighborhood Church, we see prayer as an essential tool, not just for personal growth, but for nurturing a community that’s deeply connected and supportive. It’s our way of keeping the conversation going with God, about everything – our highest hopes, our deepest fears, and everything we’re grateful for. This is a practice that binds us together, not just as individuals seeking God, but as a family sharing our journey together.

Think about it: when we talk to God, we’re not just checking boxes off a list. We’re engaging in a relationship. The Apostle Paul once wrote that we should present our requests to God in every situation (Philippians 4:6). It's like having a direct chat with the Creator of the universe who’s interested in the smallest details of our lives.

When we’re scared, worried, or anxious, we have this incredible outlet. Peter once encouraged the Church to cast all our anxiety on Him, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). That’s not just comforting; it's transformative. It changes how we face our challenges.

But prayer is also about gratitude. It's about recognizing the good things, the blessings, and acknowledging them. As we pray together, we’re a family. We're a community that’s growing stronger, more resilient, and more connected every time we come together in prayer.

So, here at Neighborhood Church, prayer is much more than a tradition. It's a lifeline, a journey we take together, hand in hand with God and with each other.

Understanding the Prayer Team

What the Prayer Team Is:

  • A group of volunteers dedicated to supporting our community through prayer.

  • A safe space for sharing and listening to the needs of our congregation.

  • A space for spiritual growth and empathy.

What the Prayer Team Isn’t:

  • A place for personal agendas or theological debates.

  • A place to talk about ourselves, teach, or “fix” people.

  • A place to use flippant phrases like “it will all work out” or “this is a part of God’s plan.” These phrases may be well-intentioned, but can often hurt more than help.

How It Works

  1. Scheduling:

    • As a member of the Prayer Team, you will be scheduled a month in advance.

    • You’ll receive a request to volunteer on a specific date at one of our three services: 8:30am, 10am, or 11:30am.

    • You have the flexibility to accept or decline based on your availability.

  2. Prayer Session Invite Services:

    • Our community is invited to the Prayer Table at the end of each service. If you are scheduled for a particular service, please proceed to the table located to the right of the stage as the service concludes.

    • This is where you’ll be stationed to offer prayer to those in need.

  3. Interaction with Community Members:

    • People will approach you with their prayer requests. Always start by introducing yourself and asking for their name. This simple act creates a more personal and welcoming atmosphere.

    • Remember, approaching strangers for prayer can be daunting for many. Your friendly demeanor is key in creating a comfortable, welcoming space.

  4. Guiding the Conversation

    • You might encounter individuals who are emotional, upset, or perhaps struggling to articulate their thoughts. Be patient and understanding.

    • When it feels appropriate, gently ask: "How can I pray for you today?"

    • This question can help focus the conversation and allows the individual to express their specific prayer needs.

  5. Praying for the Individual:

    • Once you understand their prayer request, offer a prayer that is short, authentic, and empathetic. Your prayer should reflect understanding and compassion for their situation.

  6. Concluding the Interaction:

    • After praying, thank the individual for the opportunity to pray with them. This acknowledgment is important in making them feel heard and valued.

    • If appropriate, offer a handshake or a quick hug as a gesture of support and goodwill.

    • As they depart, wish them well. This leaves them with a sense of care and encouragement.

Practical Tips for Supporting People Through Prayer

  • Listen First: Seek to understand the person’s situation and feelings. Listening is often the first step in effective prayer. For many people, simply opening up and sharing their emotions will be a healing process in and of itself.

  • Empathize: Put yourself in their shoes. Your prayer should reflect an understanding of their perspective and emotions. Make sure your body language and tone of voice are warm, supportive, and reassuring.

  • Keep Prayers Short and Authentic: Lengthy prayers aren’t always impactful. Sincere, heartfelt prayers, even if brief, carry tremendous power.

  • Next Steps: If someone would like to take a next step, please point them to the Next Lounge on the patio where they can meet with a pastor, sign up for Peer Counseling, or more.

How to Gracefully Respond to an Awkward Prayer Team Encounter:

If someone is lingering, over sharing, or talking at you rather than to you—take over the conversation by initiating prayer through statements like, “Let's pray together right now" or “What specifically should we pray for right now?” The purpose of the Prayer Team is prayer. While there is a component of listening, it is listening for the purpose of understanding what to pray for. Each interaction should take a few minutes at the most. If you feel trapped by someone who is over sharing, move the conversation forward by initiating prayer.

If you feel someone is using the interaction as a “therapy session” rather than a prayer interaction, be sure to refer them to our Peer Counseling program. Use statements like “It sounds like you're going through a difficult time right now, have you considered talking to one of our Peer Counselors?” From there, move the conversation forward by initiating prayer.

If a person is lingering after the prayer, be sure to “close” your interaction in a friendly, yet direct manner. After praying, say things like “Thank you for letting me pray with you today. We hope you have a great week. See you next Sunday—goodbye!” If this doesn't work either move on to the next person in line for prayer or excuse yourself and leave.

If any interaction in the prayer team is making you uncomfortable, please:

  • Use the techniques above (initiate prayer, refer to Peer Counseling, move on to next person, or excuse yourself entirely by leaving).

  • If necessary, use direct statement like:

    • “I'm not comfortable having this conversation.”

    • “I'm not equipped to speak to that issue, please connect with our Peer Counselors.”

    • “I'm not sure about that, I'm just here to offer prayer. Can I pray for you right now?”

    • “It was nice meeting you, I have to leave now. Have a great day!”

Questions?

Being a part of the Prayer Team is a meaningful and impactful role. Your presence and prayers can bring comfort, hope, and a sense of community to those in need. Thank you for dedicating your time to be FOR Visalia. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Prayer Team Leader at jordan@ncvisalia.com.