St. Philip's Lutheran Church

PRAYER MINISTRY:   “My House will be called a house of prayer”

                                                               Matthew 21:13

The mission of the St. Philip’s Prayer Ministry is to connect God’s healing power with the needs of his people in the St. Philips community and beyond. Jesus spoke of the power of corporate prayer. “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.  For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”  (Matt.18:19-20) During the last  year, the Prayer Team has connected with over 100 people and witnessed the power of God’s Holy Spirit in a myriad of healings. Some of these healings have been physical, some spiritual, relational or financial. There is always total confidentiality.

Each Sunday morning and Wednesday evening trained Prayer Team members  are available in the “Prayer Chapel” (Pastor Leslie’s office) and in the narthex. As James instructed in chapter 5, verse 14, “Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.”    The Prayer Team has also assisted in the anointing of oil and ashes at the Ash Wednesday services and for the Service of Remembrance in November.

An Intensive Prayer Team was formed and trained by Pastor Ed this year. This team, which responds to calls of crisis, may be contacted at any time of the night or day.  The mission statement of this team is “To walk with members/friends of the congregation in times of need, bringing God’s grace and healing in times of brokenness”. The members of this team are Diane Gillard, Barb Jorenby, Sue Retka, Sue Severson, Jennie Thomas and Carlos Villavicencio. In times of crisis, please call Sue Retka (651-437-5173) or Barb Jorenby (651-437-2863).

The Prayer Team meets on the second Wednesday of each month for devotion and training. Guest speakers are invited and members have attended  inspirational prayer seminars. Military personnel are also contacted. The Prayer Team now sponsors an evening of “Hope and Healing” on the third Wednesday of each month. Time of scripture and prayer is shared with those in need of healing. Several members have also been instrumental in the “Bless Hastings” intercessory team and the Hastings Community Prayer Team.

The vision of the Prayer Ministry is to actively promote prayer and spiritual growth in the St. Philips community through intercessory prayer and healing ministries.  We envision many more healings and spiritual victories as God continues to use us as His prayer warriors.  If you have a spiritual concern, please join us or complete a card on the prayer box in the narthex. “More miracles are wrought by prayer than this world ever dreamed of!”

We know that God has plans to dramatically expand the St. Philips Prayer Ministry.

Just as the apostles “all joined together constantly in prayer”(Acts 1:14), so we too are called to this mission.  We invite you to join this powerful ministry that God has so anointed!

Members of the Prayer Team are Steve Butenhoff, Diane Gillard, Geri Holmseth, Barb Jorenby, Vonnie Olson, Dan Retka, Sue Retka, Paul Severson, Sue Severson, Jennie Orr Thomas, Carlos Villavicencio, Judy Werner, Diane Bliss.