Christian prayer is response to God the Father, through Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit (BCP p 856).
Our Parish Prayer List (click here) is a weekly prayer list of current and ongoing prayer requests. You are invited and encouraged to offer up these prayers as often as possible. Prayers can be requested via the Sunday fellowship pads, by contacting any staff member, or by calling the church office at 512 327 1474.
The Prayer Chain is an e-mail community of folks who commit to pray for our current and on-going prayer concerns. Members receive current prayer concerns; usually a list with 20-30 prayer requests is distributed early in the week; one or two additional e-mails with a few requests follow as needs arise. Please contact The Rev. Brin Bon to sign up for the Prayer Chain or to request prayers.
Weekly Morning Prayer is offered each Tuesday morning at 9am in the Worship space. Please come as you are able, everyone is welcome
Centering Prayer is a method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer in which we experience God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. This method of prayer is both a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship. Meets Tuesday evenings, 6:30-7:30pm, in the Chapel. Please contact Phyllis Blees to learn more.
Daughters of the King is an Order for women who are communicants of the Episcopal Church who undertake a Rule of Life, incorporating the Rule of Prayer and the Rule of Service. Daughters pledge to a life-long program of prayer, service and evangelism, dedicated to the spread of Christ’s Kingdom and the strengthening of the spiritual life of their parishes. Find out more here or contact Kim McDonald for information about this group
.Healing Prayer and Laying on of Hands at 9 and 11 am Sunday Worship
“thoughts from the rector” July 5, 2015:
Both the gospel reading last week and this week emphasize that in the presence of Jesus believers get well. The reading this week further emphasizes that followers of Jesus are to be about this healing ministry also.
So, why do many churches today not emphasize healing more? I fear that we have become too “sophisticated” and “enlightened” for such “primitive” beliefs. And pastorally we do not want to get peoples’ hopes up and then dash them if healing in the way they want to be healed does not happen. In this week’s epistle, St. Paul himself appeals to God three times to be healed of a “thorn in the flesh,” and Paul receives a clear “No” from God. Paul, whom God used to heal others, does not get his own healing, and he has to come to terms with that. I’m experiencing a “No” or at least a “Not yet” in my own life right now.
Even if the answer is sometimes/frequently “No,” the clear witness of scripture is that God intends wholeness and health for God’s people. “You do not have because you do not ask.” So let us ask! As a seminary professor of mine put it, “Storm the gates of heaven with prayer.” I also like the way former Archbishop of Canterbury William Temple put it, “All I know is that good things happen when I pray that do not happen when I do not pray.”
So, use the Prayer Partners that are available at the prayer desk behind the pulpit during the administration of the bread and wine. Tell the Partner in as general or as specific a way as you want what you desire prayer for (e.g. illness, family situations, employment). They will keep it confidential. God will hear and act.
Prayerfully consider whether God is calling you to serve as a Prayer Partner. We could use several more in the rotation at both 9:00 and 11:00. Training is provided. God needs more disciples who are “Ready, Willing, and Unable.” Please let me or Brin know if you are willing to serve.
–The Rev. Robby Vickery
