Personal Prayer teams

‘If you want resilience in ministry, build prayer partnerships. Lone-ranger leadership is not biblical leadership.’ John Ortberg

During challenging periods in ministry, reaching out to our prayer team for additional support has proven helpful. Sharing updates about answered prayers also serves to inform and encourage the prayer team. However, when it comes to forming prayer teams we can be filled with conflicting thoughts. With all the needs around us, isn’t it selfish to ask people to pray for me? Also it’s embarrassing to share personal needs which may reveal our weaknesses and can we trust people to keep matters confidential? Then there’s the matter of who should we invite to join the team. Support from a prayer team is essential in Christian ministry; Pam and I have benefited from this over the years, as did the apostle Paul. Who do you count on for regular prayer support?

Bible Perspective

1. Moses’ hands were held up by Aaron and Hur while he prayed for Joshua. ‘The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, ‘Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.’

So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up one on one side, one on the other, so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword’ (Exodus 17:8-13).

Joshua fought as Moses interceded with uplifted hands. When Moses stopped praying, they started losing, so Aaron and Hur helped him keep his hands raised. Their teamwork led to victory through prayer, even with a small group.

2. Even Jesus pleaded with his team of disciples to surround Him in prayer in Gethsemane’s garden. ‘Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’ He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me’ (Matthew 26:36-41). The disciples didn’t do well on this occasion.

3. In ministry, individuals often encounter significant challenges and opposition, whether they are immediately aware of them. The Apostle Paul acknowledged this in his letter to the church at Ephesus, where he requested prayer. ‘Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel’ (Ephesians 6:19).

4. ‘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’ (Matthew 18:19).

5. ‘Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favour granted us in answer to the prayers of many’ (2 Corinthians 1:11).

Observations

You need to be intentional about forming a prayer team. As it just won’t happen begin to pray and plan now!

If Moses and Paul acknowledged a need, so must we. Why?

Because we are involved in a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6).
We need godly wisdom and spiritual insight (James 1:5).
Our families are involved and need prayer support. I well remember one day when 3 major things went wrong in our personal lives. Prayer helps us cope when these events come our way.
We need prayer for direction and guidance. Be open for team members to give input.

How to choose people

Pray about who you should approach to join your team. They are often already friends or people you have a relationship with.
Make sure they can be trusted with confidential details. Share as much as you think is wise.
Chose people who know how to pray. Most will count it an honour to stand alongside you. Seek input from the team regarding their perspectives on your situation. Any supportive insights, references, or observations they offer may be valuable.

How to keep them informed

Contact them regularly, at least once a month through emails, phone calls and various media apps as the needs arise. Urgent needs can be sent immediately.
Share significant matters with them, not just trivial stuff.
Give them answers to prayer, as a means of encouragement
Thank them constantly for their valued support. That is essential.

Be open also to pray for their prayer needs. When you see fruit for your labour, give God the glory and remember people prayed!

Resources
Dutch Sheets, Intercessory Prayer
Dick Eastman, No Easy Road

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