We led the service for a delightful group of about 30 residents at an assisted living facility. As I introduced a hymn, I reminded the group that walkers and wheelchairs cannot hinder the ministry of prayer because prayers have wings. I hadn’t really planned to say those words, but it must have been the prompting of the Lord. A lady approached me after the service and, grabbing my hand, thanked me. “When you said prayers have wings it made me think: I can do something important for the Lord right where I am. I can pray!”
~ Glenn and Dee Luppold of Senior Care Home Ministries, Lancaster, OH
Even though many residents feel that they cannot be of much use anymore, when we remind them of the importance of prayer, they can find new purpose in life.
At the close of our group services, I have found one of the most effective ways to lead the residents in corporate prayer is to include a prayer on our scripture handout sheet. (This prayer would be related to the message that has been our focus.) At the end of the service, all are encouraged to pray it together. It is my experience that 90% of our audience will pray a written prayer. I always read it aloud first, then I ask, “Is this a good prayer? Would you like to pray it with me?” This allows them to decide if they want to pray the prayer.
As we point our friends to Jesus, encouraging them to humbly verbalize their concerns and desires to Him, He will take their hand and lead them in all truth and righteousness. What a privilege we have! ~ B.G.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.