One is the fact that the Southern Baptist doctrinal study for
next year is on prayer. The second is that after state leaders had decided on
their emphasis, officials from LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist
Convention called to ask the state to host an “On Your Knees” prayer
conference.
The conference is set for September 18-20 at Broadmoor Baptist
Church in Shreveport. It is designed to encourage and equip churches in prayer
ministries.
Undated activities
At least three undated resources are available for churches
and associations to use in promoting prayer.
“Turning Wednesday Nights into Prayer” is a conference
designed to help church staff members make mid-week services meaningful and
focused on prayer.
“Praying Your Friends to Christ” is a two-hour course
designed to help church members learn how to pray effectively for lost people.
“How to Pray for Your Pastor” is a resource designed
to train church members to be prayer partners with their pastor.
Other prayer dates also are scheduled in 2003 that will provide
churches and members with opportunities to be involved in the yearlong emphasis.
The National Day of Prayer is set for May 1.
A campus prayerwalk effort is set for August 10, with the purpose
of having Christians prayerwalk the school campuses in their areas.
The annual See You at the Pole emphasis for students is planned
for September 17 next year.
In addition, Louisiana Baptists will observe three annual prayer
emphases for missions:
Week of Prayer for North American Missions and
the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering on March 2-9.
Week of Prayer for State Missions and the Georgia
Barnette Offering for State Missions on September 14-21.
Week of Prayer for International Missions and the
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering on November 30 – December 7.
Jenkins noted that the scheduled emphasis purposefully has
been designed with a lot of entry points for the involvement of churches and
members.
“Its simple,” he said. “Any church can
take these steps. And in doing so, we could move to the point where prayer becomes
an intentional part of our lives and work.”
(A church action guide for the 2003 “Its Time to Pray” emphasis
is available from the state evangelism and prayer office by calling 800-622-6549
or 318-448-3402)