The Ways to Pray session was less an “exchange of ideas” and more of an experiential opportunity. Lissa Roseman and Karen Weires led the group through some prayerful exercises. Participants were encouraged to first prayerfully “empty” themselves of anything that would impede their getting close to God. They were given the opportunity to write down anything weighing on them – sins, hurts, worries – on rice paper, which was then dissolved in water, freeing them to focus solely on being in the presence of God.
After a period of prayerful silence, the participants heard the theme verse for the Gathering, Romans 12:2, read in three different translations of the Bible. They were encouraged to listen for a key word or phrase that God put on their heart, to meditate upon it, to lift it to the Lord, and then to listen for His response.
Later, participants paired up to share prayer concerns and to pray for one another. The cacophony in the room was truly a “joyful noise,” as many prayers were raised simultaneously.
Lissa finished by providing some ideas and guidance on how we can focus our prayer lives and encouraged us all to seek to be with God regularly, praising His name and sharing our needs, concerns, and desires.
by John Aclin
