Dear Readers of Passing the Peace, 

Prayer meets us where we are, which is why it can be particularly powerful in those moments when we feel lost, overwhelmed, or alone and especially in the moments when we recognize that we are in need of help from our community and from God. 

Prayer is a central part to how we gather as a community and a spiritual practice that can take on many forms. While I believe there are many beautiful ways to pray and have no desire to tell people the “right” way to offer a prayer I thought it might be helpful to share a few thoughts of how we can share in prayer together. 

  1. Check in.  

You’ve just found out about a tragedy and feel called to prayer. This can be a helpful moment to understand what kind of support and prayers someone is needing. 

You can ask: “I’m someone who prays and I was wondering if you’d like me to keep you in my prayers as you go through this challenging time.” 

If you’re wanting the wider community to pray, it’s important to check in first: “My church has a prayer list, would you be comfortable having your name added?” 

People may have privacy concerns, a need to share with their loved ones first, or their own feelings about prayer. Asking for permission ensures they are feeling cared for during an already challenging time. 

2. Reach out. 

Contact me, Rev Michiko (michikobownkai@gmail.com or 647 967 0746), to share your prayer request. Prayer requests can be confidential or shared with the wider community. 

3. Pray. 

Join us for worship on Sunday morning to share your prayer requests and join us in prayer. 

Or

Contact Rev Michiko to set up a more private time for prayer at home, a meaningful location, in hospital, or at the church, etc. 

4. Follow up. 

Make sure you continue to be God’s loving presence in the lives of those you are praying for and that they are being held in prayer. 

If you’ve been struggling to find words for your own prayer life or words to offer others in response to a prayer request I’m always happy to collaborate with you in finding the right words, or creating the space beyond words, to help support your prayer practice. 

 

May the peace of Christ be with you this week, 

Rev Michiko