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How to Start a Prayer Group Connection
In episode #9 We are talking about the importance of connection through prayer groups, the different types, and how to start your own.
Three types of Prayer Connections
I am excited to share a special story with you about my own prayer group but first let’s talk about different types of prayer group connections:
We are going to discuss three types of connections:
- Prayer Partners
- Prayer Circles
- Prayer Groups
Descriptions of Each Connection:
Partners would be 2 people who share their needs with each other and pray in agreement for those needs. They may or may not meet on a regular basis but would call or text to stay in contact.
Circles would be 3-5 people who meet regularly to pray together. This would be like an inner circle of friends who know or get to know each other well. In addition to meeting, they pray for each other on a regular basis and may have a text group to regularly communicate.
Groups could be any number of people who meet together on a regular basis. Their time together would be more structured and could include a devotion in addition to prayer time. Needs would be shared, and the group could pray over individuals as needed. This type of group could be a ministry of a church or could be led by an individual in a home setting.
Personal Prayer Connection
Several years ago, I was invited to be a part of a prayer circle. Of course, we didn’t call it that. It was just 3 ladies hungry to soak in the Lord’s presence. I remember very well that first day we gathered together. We all lived in different towns, and I was kinda central, so we met in a local church in my area. It’s funny to think back because we barely knew each other, and I remember feeling a little awkward. I wasn’t sure how it was going to go but I knew God was up to something.
We spent a few minutes getting to know each other, then we sang a few songs to center our attention on our Lord, then we prayed, listened, and just sat in the Lord’s presence. We each brought our own needs that day. We prayed over each other, our families, each of our churches, the nation and our communities.
Before we left that day, we planned our next meeting and we’ve been meeting ever since. It hasn’t always been regular, but we have a text group where we share needs, praise reports, dreams, and even revelations we receive. We have laughed together, cried together, and learned from each other. We have even planned events together.
I consider these two ladies my Aaron and Hur. Not to compare myself to Moses at all but they have been there to hold me up in prayer when I didn’t feel like praying for myself.
In time, you will find those that will be a part of YOUR inner circle.
The people you can trust, open up to and be vulnerable with.
Are you thinking of starting a prayer group?
If you are feeling led to start a prayer group of any sort, I encourage you to just get started! If you are wondering if this thought is from the Lord, I assure you it is not of the enemy! It is the Lord’s will for us to pray together. In Matthew 18:20 says “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” and in the verse right before that it says “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” That is Jesus speaking!
So, if you have been pondering starting any type of prayer connection and you are listening to this show, I think that is a good indication you are on the right track! If you’re not sure HOW to get started, keep listening.
How to Start a Prayer Connection
If you are looking for an individual to be your partner in prayer, ask God to show you who that person could be. Then listen and look. If someone comes to mind, write down their names. Then watch over the next few days. Does anyone on your list cross your path, or send you a message? Maybe their name just keeps coming back to you. Once you feel like someone is being highlighted to you, then step out in faith and ask them if they would be interested in being prayer partners. You might be surprised by what the Lord shows you through this process!
If you are looking for more of a circle, you might start with one other person then the two of you pray about including an additional person. Use the same process as above until you have at least two others in your group.
If you are thinking about starting a group, first, I commend you. This is a bigger commitment and will require a little more work on your part.
If you are wanting this group to be part of your local church, the first step is to talk to your pastor and get his or her blessing and recommendations.
If you are wanting to start a group on your own or in your home, you have probably already been praying about this for some time. I encourage you to get one or two others on board with your vision. It’s easier to start with a small group instead of completely on your own. As you move forward you will need to make some decisions. You will need to decide where you will meet, how often, what time, and how long it will last. What will your structure be? If you don’t have some type of plan things can get out of hand and last longer than you would like. To keep people coming back they need to know how long to expect the meeting to last.
I have put together a simple checklist and a guide to help you get started. You can find this free resource at the bottom of the page.
Evolution of a Group
What’s interesting is that any of these prayer connections can evolve into one of the others. Sometimes we think we know what we want but the Lord knows what we need!
Your prayer partner could be added to and become a prayer circle and eventually a prayer group. But if it goes the other way don’t be discouraged. If you start with a group and it dwindles down to a circle or even just a partner, I can confidently say that’s what at least one of the people in the group truly needs.
If we truly want to see souls coming to the kingdom and lives transformed, we need to be willing to sow into the field. What that looks like may be different for each of us. It may be mentoring someone, or leading a discipleship group or Bible study, helping with children’s ministry, or picking up children or adults and taking them to church. Every one of us is gifted and talented and each of us has a purpose in this life to help build the kingdom of God.
Listen here or subscribe on your favorite podcast app:
Prayer Connections
Group Guide
If you are feeling led to start a prayer group of any sort, this will help you get started!
It includes a checklist, a sample guide for your meeting, and some helpful tips to help as you move forward.get started.
