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Praying the Broadway Prayer

In September, all of us at Broadway UMC began a pattern of reciting the same prayer at 8:26 AM or 8:26 PM (or whenever we remember). This prayer is a way for us to look and listen for ways we as a church can discover and meet the needs or our community. If we don’t ask, how will we know what we are called to be as we reach out to our neighbors?

As I recite this prayer each day - or most days - my experience is that my heart and mind are becoming more open to listening and watching. Many times I don’t need to wander far into the community to see something new. Sometimes, our neighbors come to us as they work through the pain and struggle of surviving. I am learning to stop replying with what has become the standard answer to a request for help. Instead of passing on their request and dismissing the person to get on to other work, I am hearing a voice say, “stop, listen, and care.” I don’t often have the answer for what someone needs, but I can offer hospitality and my attention. From there we can better work together building relationships and finding resources.

So, if you haven’t seen the prayer or you don’t have a copy, I am offering it below. Hold onto it and join us each morning or evening as we ask God to show us who we are called to be in building God’s Kingdom in Counci Bluffs. Then, share what you are hearing with us.

 

Prayer Walks

During our reflection through the Broadway prayer, we are all invited to take a Prayer Walk. The first walk took place on September 3rd during the lauch of a new year of Foundations ministries. The adult small group walked the area around the church with eyes to see and ears to hear. The walks are not intended to be a door to door campaign, but a time to silently be in our community observing the possibilities for ministry. Walks are done in pairs so no one walks alone. After walking participants return to the parking lot to share what they may have discovered.

The next walks are scheduled for

  • Sunday, October 19th after 10:30 worship
  • Saturday, October 25th 10:00 AM

So, meet at the church, grab your sneakers and jackets, get out in the fresh air, and take a look around us for opportunities to answer God’s call.

Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

- Jeremiah 29:7

  • Pray and walk with eyes wide open
  • Pray these words: “Holy Spirit, open my eyes and heart to the needs of the people who live and work in this community.”
  • BLESS* the people of the community
  • Observe: what ethnicities do you see? How many languages do you hear? What type of business and homes do you see? What range of socio-economic status and age can you detect?
  • Meet back at the church parking lot

BLESS the People and Community

B: Body - pray for the physical health of the people

L: Labor - pray for the fruitfulness of their work

E: Emotions - pray for their emotional well-being

S: Social - pray for healthy relationships, families, neighbors, etc.

S: Spiritual - pray for the spiritual well being of the people, that
they might know God and grow in the ways that lead to life.