Response Magazine for United Methodist Women (April 2000)

The Scripture offers an array of prayers-- lamentations, thanksgivings, petitions for justice, requests for God's presence. And prayers are deeply personal or can be communal. The July/August 2000 issue of Response magazine offers readers a glimpse of prayer.

"We offer this issue as a moment for you to pause to learn how others approach prayer. We hope you find affirmation for your prayer life and ideas for new ways to pray," says Dana E. Jones, editor of the magazine.

There is no right way to pray, but this issue offers stories of praying and listening for God's direction, and an understanding that "we are not alone."

On the cover: Whether we find quiet time on the beach, like the woman on the cover, or grab a moment in the midst of daily activities, taking time for prayer sustains us, challenges us and prepares us for life. Photo by Jeff Greenberg/PhotoEdit.

This Bible Study looks at Luke 18:1-8, the story of a woman who continually asked an unjust judge for justice. Finally, the judge breaks down and grants it, because of the woman's "tenacious persistence." Jesus' parable holds significance for women today as we pray for racial justice, human rights, equality and inclusiveness. Pray persistently.

Sharon Moe tells the story of demanding that God heal Gladys, a young girl dying of AIDS, and all of the children in the pediatric intensive care unit with her. Her prayers failed, she thought. But in a way, they didn't. Ms. Moe discovered that prayer is calling out for what should be and setting the standard for what we and life should strive. It is a partnership with God and the power is often in the very act of praying.

Since the time of Moses standing on Mount Horeb, hearing God's command to liberate the Hebrew slaves from bondage in Egypt, prayer and social action have been devoutly married. Mr. McClain offers three ways in which this union is experienced. First, if you believe prayers bring about change, prayer is social action. Second, when planning social action prayerfully, we surround an unjust situation with prayer. Third, prayers and action become an offering to God, because what belongs to God has strayed from God's design.

"Prayer is lifting up the heart and mind to God." Placing ourselves in God's presence can be a challenge in our busy lives. But we can give God the priority. Ms. Head looks at the stages of prayer-- vocal , meditative, contemplative. She explores our struggle to holiness and engages us in our own prayer experiences.

Method and content of prayers are interconnected as we see it in the Lord's prayer. In this prayer, we communicate with God; praise and glorify God; modestly ask for favors; ask for forgiveness; request that God help us live as God would have us live; then we praise God. It's a pattern we can follow as we pray.

These prayers were written by United Methodist youth from Kansas East Conference while participating in a seminar in New York City, NY, and Washington, D.C., earlier this year. The prayers of youth can be revelations for adults.

These prayers come from United Methodist Children in Alaska, California, Mississippi, and Missouri. They are a glimpse of the hopes, fears, feelings, and communication of children with God. And, they are lessons for all of us.

"This is a story of a group of women from various states of India, who represent the nation's rich diversity in language, culture, lifestyle, dress, food habits and expressions of faith. They are as diverse in age as background." When the women come together in Apostles Methodist Church in Delhi, India, their actions show a reverence for God. Their prayers reveal stories and the centrality of Christ in their life.

Gennifer Brooks shares the role of prayer in the lives of the people and culture of her native land-- Trinidad. Active, vibrant, and integral to people's lives, prayer held power in the homes, streets, schools, friendships, and history.

Drawing on her experiences of serving persons with HIV/AIDS, Ms. Reich helps readers prepare to pray with friends who are terminally ill. Many times, she says, we back away from those who are dying. But, "what the ill person needs most is for you to be present and for you to be yourself."

Why do women pray? This article looks at the stories of four women of different ages and paths in life. They talk about how they pray, for what they pray, and reasons they pray. Peace because of prayers is interwoven throughout their stories.

Adapted from a devotion she led earlier this year, Judy Nutter, a Women's Division director, tells readers that God's presence can be in unexpected places. A story about her son, a basketball game, and prayers from a community is a discovery about God's presence and a renewed vision of life.

When We Pray...

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