The late Southern Baptist layman and Christian comedian Jerry Clower was telling the story about his passion for witnessing to people and telling them of God’s grace. Mr. Clower said; “God’s done flung a cravin’ on me to tell the story.” I get real excited and a little bit nervous when lay people tell me “God’s done flung a cravin’” on them to do something. This has been happening recently around Antioch.  One person called another and said that God had impressed them that we need to call the church to prayer. I was called and the idea was shared with me with some excitement. I too, caught the enthusiasm and gave my support.
The idea was carried to the United Methodist Women’s meeting and then to the Administrative Council. I shared it with the Pastor / Parish Relations Committee. Wherever the idea of calling our congregation to a season of prayer was shared it was met with great enthusiasm and excitement. The idea took shape and is now ready to be presented to the whole congregation.

Members of the UMW and other individuals have written short prayers which attempt to give voice to our concerns about worship, attendance, evangelism, stewardship, etc. A composite of these prayers has been written and will be presented on Sunday, March 8th during our morning worship. Anyone who wants to write and submit a short prayer is encouraged to do so. The individual prayers will be used each Sunday through Lent and maybe even into the season of Easter. On Sunday, March 8th everyone will have the opportunity to take several copies of what is being called the Antioch Prayer. Keep a copy near you all through the day and as you have the opportunity offer the prayer on behalf of our church. Soon you will have memorized the prayer and all through the day you can pray for our church. Imagine, every day, all day long all of us will be praying the same prayer for God’s blessings and direction for our church. The Bible says; “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. God only knows what transformation may come if all of us join together in prayer.

I know some are already praying. This is not the preacher’s idea. This comes from you, the laity. And it comes because some of you are already asking God to bring renewal to our church. May it be so! Amen!