Devoted to Prayer

Colossians 4:2

Our Prayer Ministry at Ascension is comprised of several components that involve different types of prayer opportunities including the following:

Devoted Daily

We encourage everyone to be “devoted to prayer” daily, as we pray for “the church, the world, and all those in need.” As you pray for your family and friends, remember to pray for our congregation (staff, members, ministries, school, foundation), community, country, creation, government and the nations of the world (for life, justice, peace and health for all). We invite you to join in our Ascension campus prayer walk as we hold in prayer all the parts of our One Ascension ministry. Also please pray for our Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), for our presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and our synod Bishop Murray Finck (Southwest CA Synod), and for the work of the whole church on earth. In addition to those prayers you are invited to daily pray five of the Psalms (Jesus’ prayerbook!) and that way pray through the whole book of Psalms each month! If you would like to pray as you walk, we have the labyrinth in the garden on the east side of the sanctuary and occasionally we will schedule prayer walks in and around our neighborhood.

Devoted Monthly

“Word Pray Heal” is our Service of the Word for Healing. This service is held on special occasions, and scheduled as requested. Call the church office to check dates. (The prayer chapel entrance is on the patio near the west entrance of the sanctuary.) During this service there is a short teaching from the Bible (Word) on prayer and healing. Petition prayers are prayed that are personal or intercessory (for another person). The service ends with anointing of oil and laying on of hands for those who want to be prayed for. This is a Spirit-filled time of listening to God’s Word, speaking with God, reflection, meditation and prayers for specific needs.

Devoted Weekly

We have a strong Email Prayer Team of people willing and wanting to pray for the needs of others.

At each Saturday/Sunday worship service, in the sanctuary, you will find a Blue Card in the pew rack. By filling out a Blue Card you will find choices of:

being prayed for that Sunday only;

authorizing placement of your prayer request in the Prayer Focus list in the weekly bulletin;

requesting your prayer to be on the Email Prayer Team’s list;

giving an update on prayer request previously made;

writing a message to the pastors on the back of the card.

Devoted through the Year – Yearly Events

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January

The Lenten Season with a special focus on prayer and study

National Day of Prayer – the first Thursday in May

Memorial Day weekend – the end of May

July 4th – special prayers for our country

Early September – Celebration of Ministries at Ascension

Blessing of the Animals – the first Sunday afternoon in October at 5:30

Thanksgiving Eve worship service, 7:15 p.m.

Advent – a season of prayer and preparation

Prayer Resources

ELCA Prayer Ventures

Pray for the World

Conejo Valley Healing Rooms

With Jesus’ first disciples, we ask, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1) and guide us by your Holy Spirit to be devoted to prayer!