ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
September 9, 2026
I have often heard people say, “I belong to a praying church,” and though every church is a praying church, I do believe there are certain churches that might be called to a more intentional ministry of prayer or maybe a historic culture of prayer is rooted in the communal DNA. At Cypress Creek Christian Church, I don’t know if most folks would immediately grab for prayer as a central marker of identity, yet most every Wednesday, I gather with a group of men who take very seriously the ministry of prayer. The commitment does not reside solely in the hour-long gathering, but is found throughout the week as the men continue to lift up the concerns of the congregation. During Holy Week last year, we had a prayer vigil here at the church, where people took 30-minute time slots and prayed in the chapel. Every slot was filled, all the way until midnight. In worship every Sunday, prayers are offered, but not simply from the lips of the ministers. Prayers come from the people, including finding common voice in the Lord’s Prayer. Could there be more opportunities? Absolutely! Yet in every corner of our congregation, there are people who take prayer quite seriously. If you find yourself in need of prayer, I hope you don’t hesitate reaching out to one of the church staff members, one of the Elders, or even asking the person seated near you in worship to hold you in prayer. But I also invite you to be mindful of those who would be blessed in knowing they were lifted in prayer, especially if it was followed with a note (text/email) that says, “I lifted you in prayer today.”
I seek to be in conversation with you, O God who hears every prayer. It’s not necessarily about answers or grand insights or to get my most recent request granted. It’s mostly to share time with you, and to bring before you those who find peace and grace in knowing their names were spoken before you, the One whose love is eternal. Amen.
