From the time I was a very young child, my mother would tuck me into bed at night and remind me to say my prayers. "Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep..." I never thought about the meaning of the words that I mechanically recited, but one thing I knew even then was that I was talking to God and he was listening. Thus began my journey in understanding the importance of prayer and how it deepens one’s relationship with God.

In 1985 Julie Ahern-Wild, then a member of Shepherd of the Valley, expressed her interest in starting a weekly prayer meeting at the church—a meeting for anyone interested in praying for the needs of our members, our community, guidance for our church leaders, and worldly matters. Soon a small group of members began meeting weekly in the columbarium. Most had never participated in a meeting focused only on prayer. Everyone was in a different place on their individual faith journeys. Many were not used to praying aloud and were self-conscious when asked to share a prayer openly with others. But as time passed we grew comfortable with our shared prayers. We began to realize that there were many facets within the privilege of prayer, and eventually it no longer mattered how simply or how eloquently we expressed our thoughts to God. Our fear of public sharing and desire to use just the right words was replaced with genuine expressions from our hearts.

Since that first meeting the group has remained small. Through the years membership has changed but several participants still remain and I am sure they agree that they have grown in their own personal relationship with God. We have learned that God reveals himself in many ways if we are dedicated to listening as well as praying; that prayer is a two-way communication between ourselves and God; and that if we seek help in determining what God wants for us, He will guide us in accomplishing these goals. God provides us the opportunity of prayer so that we can grow in our understanding of Him and turn to him for our needs. Prayer, whether spontaneous or planned, given individually or in a group, is always heard and answered. Prayer changes our lives. Through our prayers we become increasingly aware of the bountiful blessings our Father has given us and it becomes increasingly important to us to express our praises to Him. Prayer is God’s promise to us that he loves us and will never fail us.

Our current members are Mary Jo Dawe, Debi Eisenhour, Vi Folkins, Judy Patchell, Lois Shimpach, and Diane Wells. Anyone is welcome to join the prayer group or attend a meeting. No reservations are required! Meetings are held on Mondays at 11:00 a.m. in the choir room. Contact any of the prayer group members or the church office if you would like more information.

Diane Wells

Please continue to pray daily for Shepherd of the Valley Presbyterian Church, for the Rev. Tom Hart, all Church Staff, Elders, Deacons, Committee Chairs and the Congregation. Pray that they (we) will be open and responsive to God’s leading, and that the Spirit would equip and empower them to follow the Lord wherever He leads.