A Call to Prayer

2002 Church of the Brethren Statement

Whereas: Jesus demonstrated the importance of prayer (e.g., Matt 14:23, Mk. 1:35 and Lk. 6:12); and

Whereas: the disciples whom Jesus loved asked, “Lord, teach us to pray as John taught his disciples.” Lk. 11:1 (NRSV); and

Whereas: Jesus said, “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matt. 21:22 (NIV); and

Whereas: congregations and individuals practice a wide variety of expressions of prayer and prayer methods; and

Whereas: prayer unifies and strengthens the Body of Christ; and

Whereas: prayer increases our awareness and intimacy with God; and

Whereas: prayer requires discipline, commitment, and continued learning; and

Whereas: the Church of the Brethren does not have an official position on the importance and practice of prayer;

Therefore, we the district board of the Mid-Atlantic District, petition the district conference, meeting at the Frederick Church of the Brethren, Frederick, Maryland, October 13, 2001, to request Annual Conference at Louisville, Kentucky, June 29- July 4, 2002 to call the denomination to be constant in prayer as well as to offer guidance, resources and instruction for deepening our prayer lives and expanding our understanding of Jesus’ call to personal and corporate prayer.

Action of the Mid-Atlantic District Board: The District Board of the Mid-Atlantic District, meeting in regular session on September 8, 2001, passed the query on to the District Conference, which will meet October 13, 2001, in Frederick, Maryland.

Leon Yoder, Board Chair
Don Booz, Secretary

Action of the Mid-Atlantic District Conference: Passed on to Annual Conference, Church of the Brethren, by the Mid-Atlantic District Conference, meeting October 13, 2001 in Frederick, Maryland.

Linda Barkdoll, Moderator
Jeanne Laudermilch, Clerk

Action of the 2002 Annual Conference

Louise Reiman, a Standing Committee member from South/Central Indiana, presented the Standing Committee recommendation that the denomination be called to a renewed emphasis on prayer. All institutions are asked to make prayer a major focus this next year. All pastors are asked to preach a series of sermons about prayer. All congregations are asked to make a time for prayer available besides regular worship. The 2003 Annual Conference is asked to set aside one hour to hear about how an increased emphasis on the discipline of personal and corporate prayer has been a blessing to the denomination. The Annual Conference reportable/accountable agencies, districts, and congregations are asked to help fulfill this call looking toward reporting in 2003. The delegate body adopted the Standing Committee recommendation.