Dear Sisters and Brothers,
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 - NRSVUE)
Our prayers together are a source of spiritual togetherness and vitality. Prayer is the heart of our relationship with God. It increases our spiritual power, enhances the unity of the church and allows the Spirit to guide us! Here are some suggestions for the prayers and meditations of your congregation during January – March 2023. Remember to lift them up in your printed and other media, as well as during your worship services and prayer meetings.
A DISTRICT PRAYER CALENDAR
December 18, 2022 -
Pray for the mission and ministry of the Church of the Brethren; our membership, congregations, fellowships, and mission organizations, during the coming year. Let us pray that the wideness and breadth of God’s work will challenge us to seek wider, greater and more creative fields of mission and ministry.
December 25, 2022 -
Pray for every individual whose life is changed, endangered or lost by acts of violence, hatred and war. Let us walk in the footsteps of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, whose birth brings the hope, the means and the ministry of reconciliation for those who follow him.
January 1, 2023 -
Pray for Elizabeth Anne Mitchell, who is to begin as pastor of the Trinity Church of the Brethren today. Let us pray that the Lord of the Harvest will call and send out workers into fields near and far.
January 8, 2023 -
Pray for Steve Mason, who concluded his service with Eder Financial (formerly Brethren Benefit Trust) on December 31, 2022. Let us give thanks for those who’ve served with and for us throughout our nation and the world.
January 15, 2023 -
Pray for the Nominating and Personnel Committee of District Conference as they anticipate their initial meeting on Saturday, January 21, 2023. Let us pray for the guidance and aid of the Holy Spirit in discerning persons to be called to leadership.
January 22, 2023 -
Pray for Marla B. Abe, who began as pastor of the Lynchburg Church of the Brethren on October 9, 2022 and is scheduled for installation today. Let us pray that we will support, encourage and pray for those who undertake pastoral service.
January 29, 2023 -
Pray for Jen Jensen, Program Manager for the Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church program of the Church of the Brethren. Let us give thanks to God for the commitment of those who serve unseen, but not unimportantly, in the ministry and mission of the church.
February 5, 2023 -
Pray for Daniel L. Rudy, who is to begin as District Executive Minister for the Virlina District of the Church of the Brethren tomorrow. Let us pray that the wideness and breadth of God’s work will challenge us to seek wider, greater and more creative fields of mission and ministry.
February 12, 2023 -
Pray for Roundtable (Grades 9-12), sponsored by the Interdistrict Youth Cabinet on February 24-26, 2023 at Bridgewater College. Let us pray that God will nurture the spiritual depth and stamina of our young people.
February 19, 2023 -
Pray for Sharon B. Jenkins, who is retiring as Coordinator of Financial Services for the Virlina District on February 28, 2023. Let us give thanks for those who have given faithful service to Christ and the church.
February 26, 2023 -
Pray for the Virlina District Ministers and Spouses Retreat, led by David Radcliff, executive director of the New Community Project. Let us pray that our leaders, our ministers and their families will be refreshed for the work of Christ and the church!
March 5, 2023 -
Pray for the Virlina District Board, scheduled to meet at the Red Oak Grove Church of the Brethren, on March 18, 2023. Let us pray that the Spirit of God will grant discernment, guide every decision and empower every undertaking.
March 12, 2023 -
Pray for the participants and leadership of Pilgrimage XXIV: A FaithQuest for Adults, a spiritual development retreat of the Virlina District, planned for March 17-19, 2023 at Camp Bethel. Let us pray that participants will gain a deeper spirituality and greater commitment to the cause of Christ.
March 19, 2023 -
Pray for Patricia A. Ronk, co-pastor of the Bethany Church of the Brethren in Franklin County, Virginia, who anticipates ordination to the Gospel Ministry. Let us give glory to God for the gifts of the Spirit bestowed upon the church.
March 26, 2023 -
Pray for the Antioch Church of the Brethren in Franklin County, Virginia, received as a congregation in the district one hundred and fifty years ago. Let us honor the spiritual foundation laid for us by that great cloud of witnesses and work with a will in our own generation for the upbuilding of the church.