Churches hold prayer vigils to ask God to hear needs around special problems. One example is the Anglican Church Diocese of Quebec, which scheduled a three-and-a half-day-prayer-vigil in mid 2009 – that means non-stop prayers for more than 75 hours.
This vigil sought prayers related to its synod (diocesan meeting) when, due to a global financial crisis, it no longer had enough return on investments to meet its expenses. In addition, the diocese was consecrating a new bishop. This vigil asked God to give care and direction so the church might meet its financial obligations and also asked that the new bishop have guidance from above.
How to Pray for an Hour?
Persons who sign up for a vigil are usually asked to pray for an hour. The vigil goes around the clock. Participants should be well-prepared, alert and focused.
It may be difficult to focus during an hour in prayer. A particular prayer may lead thoughts to something related, then off on another tangent. Here are suggested guidelines for an hour of prayer.
Divide the Time into Five Slots
Prayer vigil participants must plan ahead. Prepare an outline of what needs to happen. Divide the time into five parts. Usually the intercession segment is the longest. Pick things to help fill the time.
Example: choose four Biblical Psalms. Vigil participants can meditate on one of them each interlude between sections of the prayer vigil.
Five Facets of Prayer
The Five Facets of Prayer can be remembered by this sentence: "As the Christian, I pray."
- As Adoration - Praise for God and God's Love, recalling how the church, family and the world feels that love.
- The Thanksgiving: Expressing gratitude to God for that love, the ways it is manifest in the lives of the faithful and for blessings received, naming them as thanks is given.
- Christian Confession of Sins and Burdens - This is the person-to-person talk with God. Realizing that people are not perfect and then confessing shortcomings, the vigil watcher discusses personal priorities and problems with God. Since God made people stewards of the creation and custodians of the faith, believers can include a personal accounting of how those responsibilities are being met.
- Intercession - Praying for the church and for others. As part of the prayer vigil, petitioners can ask for understanding of those issues that make it hard for the church to survive and particularly that bishops and other leaders, plus clergy and laity, not only understand these issues, but receive God's help in dealing with them. Pray that church leaders have the benefit of God's wisdom and grace in problem-solving. Also pray that these leaders feel the power of petitioners' prayer and that it lifts believers up to serve God by strengthening the believers and the church.
- Pray - Close by praying for parishioners, family members and other loved ones, if possible naming what individual needs are, asking God to not only help the faithful, but also to shine a light on individual pathways so that believers will not stray and can, with heartfelt love and joy, continue in God's service.
Vigil praying has special rewards. It provides not only for personal needs, but also has the power of becoming part of a church or worldwide chorus of voices petitioning God to answer needs on a local, regional or worldwide level. For some, this sense of belonging is very affirmative.
With a little advance preparation and remembering the "As the Christian, I Pray" guidelines, an hour of prayer need not be a duty, but instead can be a satisfying source of happiness and inner peace.
Source:
- The Five Facets of Prayer outlined in the Personal Prayer Notebook published by the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer.
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