Prayer Ministry
Throughout Scripture, our Lord commends us to pray, to be in the presence of God. In the Bible, there are over 600 references to prayer and we are given many examples of prayer in both the Old and New Testament.
Since the beginning of Lent in 2006, St. John's has used the book WHY PRAY? 40 Days--From Words to Relationship by John DeVries as a focus and guide for our prayer ministry. From the preface, we read, "John DeVries teaches that prayer is something far more profound than merely a tool to get something from God. Prayer is a relationship. Prayer is beyond words. Prayer is the primary expression of our love for God."
As Christians we are encouraged to pray and St. John's offers a variety of opportunities for prayer, both as individuals and as members of the body of Christ. Below is a listing of some of these opportunities and you are invited to participate at any time. "Pray without ceasing." I Thess. 5:17
May your relationship with your Lord be blessed by His presence by prayer, through Christ who gave us His example and by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Worship Service Prayer
Each Sunday, a PRAYER REQUEST SHEET is posted outside the sanctuary. The prayer requests are then given to the officiating pastor who then publicly includes them in the weekly prayers of the church.
Weekly Word
Each week, special prayer requests are listed in the Weekly Word, a supplement to the bulletin that includes timely announcements. To be included, please email the church administrator by Tuesday morning at .
Prayer Request Cards
In each pew, there are PRAYER REQUEST CARDS that can be filled out and placed in the offering plate, given to a pastor or placed in the prayer request box in the narthex. These prayer requests are handled confidentially by the pastors.
Telephone Prayer Chain
Within the membership of St. John's, a group of individuals participate in a telephone prayer chain. If you would like to request a prayer or would like to be a part of the prayer chain, please contact the coordinator, Georgette Edwards, at 703- 971-2604 or you may call the church office at 703-971-2210.
E-mail Prayer Requests
St. John's also as a group of individuals who pray for requests sent through email. If you would like to request an email prayer or would like to be a part of the group of email pray-ers, please contact the coordinators, Scott and Susan Carpenter, at .
Prayer Vigils
Each year, St. John's provides an opportunity for members and friends to participate in a PRAYER VIGIL. These usually occur on a Saturday and prayer suggestions are provided. Individuals may come and stay as long as they wish. Anyone wishing to have more information on or to assist with a Prayer Vigil is asked to contact Liz DeMik at 703-920-8092 or .
Workshops and Bible Studies on Prayer
Over the years, St. John's has provided a number of opportunities to learn more about prayer through a variety of workshops and Bible studies. These have included studies on The Lord's Prayer, the Psalms, as well a retreat on Spiritual Formation which focused on several types of prayer. If you would like more information or wish to request a study on prayer, please contact Pastor Meehan or Pastor Campbell or Jennifer Hills at 703-971-2210 or Liz DeMik at 703-920-8092 .
Sanctuary Open for Prayer
When received into membership of St. John's, each family is presented with a key that opens the front door of the church. Families are encouraged to make use of the key to come to church to be in the presence of God at any time during the week. To be assured that the sanctuary is available, you may want to call the church office at 703-971-2210 during usual working hours and check with the church administrator.
Prayer Garden
Immediately outside the Church Library there is a peaceful Prayer Garden with beautiful foliage, benches and a fountain. Access to the garden is through the Library, and the garden can be enjoyed from the Library.
The Church Library
When not in use by various groups for meetings, the Church Library offers a peaceful setting for prayer. There are also a number of books that one may use while at church or check out for personal use at home.
Southeastern District Prayer Partners and VIP2 Congregations
The Southeastern provides opportunities for congregations and individuals to be actively praying for the ministry of our District. If you would like to be a Very Important Prayer Partner, please contact the Liz DeMik at the SED office at or 703-971-9371 Ext. 215.
Prayer Ministry
There are many ways one can be involved in the Prayer Ministry of the church. If you would like to be a part of a prayer team, or if you have other ideas you would like to pursue, please contact Pastor Meehan or Pastor Campbell at 703-971-2210 or
Liz DeMik at 703-920-8092 or .
Scripture Passages on Prayer
The following verses are but a few of many that focus on prayer. You are encouraged to look them up and take note what they mean to you and your relationship with your Lord. May you be blessed by your reading and studying of His Word.
Matthew 6:5-13
Matthew 7:7
I Thessalonians 5:17
James 4:3
John 14:14
Nehemiah 1:4-2:5
Psalm 118:5-8
Matthew 21:22
Mark 1:35
I John 5:14
Romans 8:26-27