Conference unites in prayer for General Conference

When people pray, God listens.

And John and Charles Wesley believed “that God does nothing apart from believing prayer.”

In a focused effort to prepare for the upcoming General Conference session, the South Georgia Conference is launching a month-long Conference-wide prayer initiative, “Hear Our Prayers.” It will begin the day after Easter - April 1 - and run through the General Conference session, scheduled April 23-May 3 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Psalm 4:1 says: “Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.” Each day laity and clergy will be asked to pause and pray for our church’s mission and for the upcoming conference at 4:01.

The Hear Our Prayers initiative provides an opportunity for South Georgia United Methodists to be united in purpose through prayer, said Kelly Roberson, director of communications/conference ministries. 

Daily prayers will be posted on the conference website at www.sgaumc.org/hearourprayers and on the Conference social media channels (Facebook and Instagram). 

“There is power in our connection and in prayer, and during this time of uncertainty, what better way to be in ministry together!” said Allison Lindsey, chair of the conference nurture team and member of the delegation. “In the words of Oswald Chambers, ‘We have to pray with our eyes on God and not on the difficulties.’ Hear Our Prayers gives us an opportunity to do just that, to come together in prayer with our focus on God.”

Bishop David Graves begins the prayer initiative, inviting all to pray this prayer:

With the hope of Easter People, help us face the obstacles and opposition in our lives with the same enthusiasm we embrace opportunities. Help us move faithfully forward, confident that God’s power is greater than all life will present us realizing that the worst thing is not the last thing. In Christ alone! 

Rev. Doreen Smalls, chair of the South Georgia delegation to General Conference, says the delegation has been preparing and praying and is thankful for the prayers of the conference.

“As we prepare to do our work this month, and then as we travel to Charlotte and work each day representing South Georgia while we are there, we covet your prayers,” said Rev. Smalls. “God has great plans for the people called United Methodists, and I’m thankful this delegation has a voice in helping shape our future as we act with confidence and hope in the power of the Holy Spirit.”

View the outline for the prayer initiative at www.sgaumc.org/hearourprayers.