NSBC Prayer Advocate Ministry Overview
Our prayer ministry strengthens the church, leading us into a deeper relationship with Jesus through the practice and power of prayer.
"Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." Matthew 18:19-20
Elements of Our Prayer Ministry
- Prayer Advocates will receive requests and pray specifically for assigned needs.
- Altar Prayer Advocates will receive requests during the service and pray with individuals.
- Service Prayer Advocates will meet before/during services to pray for God’s Spirit to move.
- Prayer Advocate Coordinators will assign requests, update requests, record results, etc.
- The Prayer Advocate Team will maintain the importance of prayer in the fellowship and guide the church membership into a deeper and more effectual prayer life.
Prayer Advocates
Webster’s Dictionary defines an Advocate as: 1) One who pleads the cause of another, as before a tribunal (Triune Godhead) or judicial court; a counselor. 2.) One who defends or espouses any cause by argument as a pleader, or intercessor. God has called people for the service of prayer for others throughout the entire bible, both Old Testament and New.
We, as disciples of Jesus, form a priesthood of believers and are commanded in scripture to pray for each other. People lifting up the needs of others promote love and compassion in the body.
We know we have Jesus as our great Advocate, (And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 1 John 2:1b) but we are still called to support those in need as intercessors /advocates. When our Prayer Advocates plead with God on behalf of others, we can’t help but be drawn closer as a body.
The Vision and Need is to create a culture of prayer in the membership of North Side Baptist Church and develop a structure to enable the church to follow the command of Scripture which is, “pray without ceasing.” (I Thes. 5:17)
How Does It Work?
All Prayer Advocates respect the confidentiality of each request and will share only as allowed by the person requesting prayer.
A. Requests for prayer come to the Prayer Advocate Ministry through a variety of sources:
- Prayer cards from Worship
- Prayer requests from classes
- Contact with a minister
- Phone in through Office
- Email from website, etc
B. These requests are then shared with the following:
- Advocates committed to pray specifically for the needs assigned
- NSBC Ministers
- A designated class, ministry group of small group
- The assigned Deacon Family Team
- The Wednesday Prayer List/Congregational (if desired)
- A prayer room where individuals and families can pray together
C. Actions of Advocates are as follows:
- Pray individually for the shared need.
- Share the need (as allowed) with Prayer Advocates for daily prayer throughout the week or length of the need.
- Come together during the week to pray for the needs of the body, the staff and worship.
- Seek updates on the answers of God to the need.
Altar Prayer Advocates
At the close of the worship service, the pastor issues a time of invitation for individuals to come to the altar to pray. Altar Prayer Advocates are individuals who have been selected and trained to assist those who come by praying with them about their need and/or receiving their need to share with the Prayer Advocates for prayer support.
If you wish to be a part of the Prayer Advocate Team, please contact a Prayer Advocate or NSBC Ministry Staff Member or fill out the form at this link.