First Sunday Prayer Meeting

Announcement: First Sunday Prayer Meetings

Dear Congregation,

Beginning next month, we will begin a new monthly gathering for prayer on the first Sunday of each month, immediately following our First Sunday Fellowship Meal.

These First Sunday Prayer Meetings are intended to be a simple, warm, and spiritually fruitful time for the congregation to seek the Lord together. Since we are already gathered for worship and fellowship, this will give us an opportunity to continue the Lord’s Day by joining our hearts in prayer for the needs of the church, our families, our community, and the spread of the gospel.

The meeting will last approximately 30–40 minutes and will follow a simple format:

1. Brief Scripture Reading and Exhortation

We will begin with a short passage of Scripture to direct our thoughts to God and to remind us why we pray.

2. Guided Prayer Themes

Each meeting will include several focused areas of prayer, such as:

Thanksgiving for God’s mercy and faithfulness

The spiritual health and growth of our congregation

The preaching and teaching of God’s Word

Our children, families, widows, elderly members, and those with special needs

Visitors, outreach, and evangelism in Paris and Lamar County

Missionaries, church plants, and the persecuted church

Civil leaders, schools, neighbors, and community concerns

3. Shared Prayer

Those who desire to pray aloud may do so. No one will be pressured to pray publicly. All are encouraged to participate reverently, whether by speaking or by silently joining their hearts with those who lead in prayer.

4. Closing Prayer and Benediction

We will close by committing ourselves and our congregation to the Lord’s care.

The purpose of these meetings is not to add another program, but to cultivate a praying church. The Lord calls His people to pray together, to bear one another’s burdens, and to seek His blessing upon the ordinary means of grace. We desire to depend upon Him more consciously, love one another more faithfully, and ask Him to make His Word fruitful among us.

All members, regular attenders, and visitors are welcome to remain after the fellowship meal and join us. Children are also welcome. We hope this monthly prayer meeting will become a meaningful part of our life together as a congregation.

Let us come with humble confidence, remembering the promise of our Savior:

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

John 15:7, ESV

May the Lord make us a people who worship, fellowship, and pray together for His glory.