Community prays together

Last year, his habit of praying every Saturday morning sparked an idea for Jamestown resident Greg Allen — maybe other people did the same thing.

Greg and his wife, Mary Allen, sent letters to churches in the community and soon, the Jamestown Community Prayer group started meeting once a month.

“We get to pray for the community, and with other people who want to pray,” Greg said.

In 2011 the group met at 13 different churches. This year, 15 churches expressed an interest, so the group’s schedule already extends into 2013.

“By having, hopefully, all the churches involved we’ll hopefully have all the praying people,” Mary said.

The other benefit of the prayer group is getting to see all the churches in the community, beyond the one a person might belong to.

“It’s open to anyone in the community,” Allen said.

The format for the Jamestown Community Prayer group meetings is simple. It lasts from 10 to 10:30 a.m., so people can set that time aside for prayer in advance, and community members are invited to “come as they are” — no fancy clothes or Sunday best required.

“Put down the paintbrush for half an hour, go pray, pick it back up when you get home,” Mary said.

People participating in the community prayer group pray silently, and no one is ever called upon to pray aloud in public.

Generally, Greg mentions a specific group to pray for and then people pray for two to three minutes.

A typical line-up might include local government officials and bodies, state and federal officials and bodies, people in education — teachers, staff, students and governing groups, health and emergency response personnel, charity organizations, business owners and employees, courts and people involved with them, including prisoners, and churches and local ministries.

There’s also a time for praying about financial distress, addictions, lost loved ones, relationships and guidance.

“We all pray and let the Lord sort ’em out,” Gregsaid with a smile.

People from many different churches and many different faith backgrounds attend the prayer meetings. Anyone who wants to pray — or even just observe — is welcome and no specific beliefs are required.

“I see (prayer) as a vital connection with our creator,” Greg said.

Typically, there are about 12 to 20 people involved in the community prayer, but sometimes attendance gets up into the 40s.

“I have been involved in a lot of things in the community that have been very rewarding, and I’ve been glad to serve, but this has been the most rewarding thing that I have been glad to be involved with,” Greg said.

The community prayer group meets:

* June 16, United Presbyterian Church

* July 21, Concordia Lutheran Church

* Aug. 18, Grace Episcopal Church

* Sept. 15, First United Methodist Church

* Oct. 27, Temple Baptist Church

* Nov. 17, St. James Basilica

* Dec. 16, First Baptist Church

Anyone with questions or prayer requests may email jamestowncommuni typrayer@gmail.com.

Sun reporter Kari Lucin can be reached at 701-952-8453

or by email at klucin@jamestownsun.com

Tags: life, religion