We asked our Prayer Chain Coordinator, Steve Clark, a few questions to find out more about how this vital ministry works, how you can request prayer, and how you can get involved.

Q1: Steve, to start us off, could you tell us a little bit about what the prayer chain actually is, and what a typical week looks like for you as the coordinator?

Steve: The prayer chain is a team of people who make time during their week to pray for people on a list that I provide. The people on the list are in situations—often medical—where prayer is needed.

I usually perform my role once a week, normally on a Sunday after church, though occasionally I may be contacted with an urgent prayer request which I act on as soon as possible. My role involves sending out an email to the members of the prayer chain. This includes new people who are in need of prayer and updates on those already on the list. I spend time contacting "link people" who can provide progress reports on individuals and specific current prayer needs. The email normally is rounded off with a summary prayer for all mentioned, giving people a starting point when preparing to pray themselves. I then issue an updated prayer list once a month.

Q2: It sounds like a vital lifeline for the church. If someone is going through a tough time, how can they get a request onto the prayer list, and what can they expect?

Steve: If somebody at St. Peter's would like to be added to the prayer list, they can speak to either myself or another member of the prayer chain, who will then inform me. You can give as much or as little detail as you like; all we need to know is what you would like us to pray for.

If somebody contacts me on behalf of another person, they become that individual's "link person," and they will be the one I contact for progress reports. It should be noted, however, that this is not only open to people in our congregation. Many people on our list do not attend St. Peter’s but have been approached by one of our prayer chain members and asked whether they would like to be prayed for. It is important, however, that everyone on our list has given their explicit permission to be there.

What they can expect is that our team of around 50 people will be praying for them on a regular basis—praying for strength, reassurance, healing, guidance, or anything they feel they need God's intercession in. You can also rest assured that all information shared with us is treated as strictly confidential and will only be passed amongst those who are in the prayer chain.

Q3: With 50 people praying regularly, that is a powerful wall of support. Have there been any particular moments that highlighted the impact of this ministry?

Steve: I feel very blessed to be part of this team of prayer warriors, and there have been several times where I strongly believe prayer has been answered. This has taken the form of successful surgical procedures, healing when conditions seemed insurmountable, and sometimes, in cases of terminal illness, a prolonging of their time among loved ones and family.

Since I started my role, I have received a lot of positive feedback, for which I am very grateful. I simply see myself as a coordinator, providing a framework for those who do the important work of praying for those in need.

Q4: For those reading this who feel called to support others in this way, how can they become a part of the prayer chain team, and what kind of commitment does it involve?

Steve: If you would like to become a member of the prayer chain, then just have a chat with me about it! The only strict rule we have is that all information must be kept entirely confidential.

Beyond that, you can pray in any way that you find works best for you. I personally try to pray for several people on the chain each evening, but you could pray for more or fewer people on a different timescale. Alternatively, you could wait for the weekly email update so that you know what the specific, current prayer needs are and focus on those. All prayers are very gratefully received.

Need Prayer or Want to Join? > If you have a prayer request, or if you feel called to join this confidential team of prayer warriors, please speak to Steve Clark after a Sunday service to be put in touch with him.