South Georgia Conference begins January with prayer emphasis

When people pray, God listens.
 
In a focused effort, the South Georgia Conference is centering itself around prayer in the coming year.
 
“While it seems so obvious that prayer is the center of our work, sometimes we need to make intentional efforts,” said Bishop David Graves, episcopal leader of the South Georgia Conference. “It is easy to get sidetracked by the business and agenda items of our meetings. We add more to our plates, we find ourselves in a cycle of busy-ness, and we stay in problem-solving mode. All of this distracts us from listening for God’s voice and seeking His will for our churches and lives. This collective effort will allow space for the Holy Spirit to guide us in all we do.”
 
Each month a prayer guide will be available that will contain a specific focus, including a weekly scripture, a breath prayer, and a prayer prompt. Clergy and laity throughout the conference will help guide these collective prayers each month.
 
January’s prayer guide, written by Connectional Ministries staff, is now available at www.sgaumc.org/year-of-prayer. Bulletin inserts will be available for local churches to use.
 
The 2023 Annual Conference Session will be centered on prayer with the theme “When They Prayed” based on Acts 4:31. Each day of the conference session will offer a specific prayer focus where all work will be centered around praying as certain Biblical figures prayed.
 
Throughout the year, four book studies centered on prayer and hosted by Connectional Ministries, will expand our minds, challenge our hearts and encourage our prayer walks. See below for a synopsis and links to register for these fruit-filled conversations.
 
“While we might have a lot going on around us, this intentional focus on prayer gives us the opportunity to lean into the leading of the Holy Spirit as the Spirit guides our way forward in the coming year,” said Kelly Roberson, Director of Conference Ministries/Communications. “God is calling us to share the love of Jesus Christ and make disciples that transform the world. What better way to sharpen our focus than coming together in prayer.” 
 
John and Charles Wesley believed “that God does nothing apart from believing prayer.” As the South Georgia Conference we believe that, too. May the laity and clergy of South Georgia be bold in our prayers in 2023!
 
More information will be available and updates will be posted on the conference website at www.sgaumc.org/year-of-prayer. 

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Book One
“Prayer Changes Us” by Ted Goshorn, pastor of Mulberry Street UMC
Hosted by the author, Ted Goshorn
Read the month of February; book talk on Monday, Feb 27, noon-1pm
https://sgaumc-reg.brtapp.com/BookTalkFEB 
 
Book Two
“Praying with Our Feet” by Lindsey Krinks 
Hosted by Abra Lattany-Reed
Read the month of May; book talk on Monday, May 22, noon-1pm
https://sgaumc-reg.brtapp.com/BookTalkMAY 
 
Book Three
“From Burned Out to Beloved” by Bethany Dearborn Hiser
Hosted by Grace Guyton
Read the month of August; book talk on Monday, Aug. 21, noon-1pm
https://sgaumc-reg.brtapp.com/BookTalkAUG 
 
Book Four
“Dynamite Prayer” by Rosario Picardo and Sue Nilson Kibbey
Hosted by the author, Rosario Picardo
Read the month of November; book talk on Monday, Nov. 27, noon-1pm
https://sgaumc-reg.brtapp.com/BookTalkNOV