Prayer is one of the ways we draw near to God together.
We tend to think of prayer as a distinct activity, but the Book of Common Prayer suggests prayer is better understood as a cultivated habit or disposition. The catechism (BCP 856–857) defines prayer as something that can be practiced “with or without words” as well as something that includes “thoughts and deeds.” The Prayer Book also recognizes various kinds of prayer, including adoration, oblation, intercession, and several others.
“Prayer and community go together. Saint Michael has given us people to grow with, lean on, and walk alongside in faith.”
Making the Commitment to Pray
PERSONAL, HOUSEHOLD, AND INTERCESSORY PRAYER
Daily Personal Prayer
Establish a regular rhythm of speaking with God, listening, and giving thanks using the Prayer Book or another trusted resource.
Daily Devotions, the Daily Office, Morning or Evening Prayer, silent prayer, meditation, or written prayer.
Family and Household Prayer
Build prayer into the ordinary rhythm of home life and help members of your household grow comfortable praying together.
Prayer at meals or bedtime, family Scripture reading, a short devotion, familiar prayers, or a house blessing.
Reflective Prayer Practices
Choose a practice that helps you notice God’s presence and reflect on how God is working in your life.
Journaling, meditation, the examen (end of day reflection), spiritual direction, silence, or reflection on Scripture.
Offer Your Daily Life to God
Identify an area of your life that you want to orient more intentionally toward God and invite God to guide your choices and actions.
Relationships, work, time, decisions, generosity, health, healing, or another area of concern.
Pray for People by Name
Bring the needs, hopes, and lives of specific people before God through regular and intentional intercession.
Pray for three to five people, pray several names from the parish prayer list each day, or keep a written prayer list.
Pray for Children and Ministry Partners
Commit to praying regularly for a Saint Michael class, ministry, or community partner and the people whose lives are touched through it.
Become a children’s class prayer partner or select a Mission and Outreach partner and recurring day of prayer.
PRAYER WITH THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY
Worship Regularly
Participate more regularly in the common prayer of the church and allow Scripture, music, sacraments, and shared worship to shape your life.
Commit to a number of Sundays each month or add one additional Sunday to your current worship rhythm.
Experience Another Worship Service
Expand your experience of prayer by attending a Saint Michael service or liturgy that is not currently part of your regular worship pattern.
Compline, Evensong, a weekday service, a seasonal liturgy, or another special worship service at least once.
Pray Through Music
Use sacred music to offer praise, engage with Scripture and liturgical texts, and grow in the language and habits of prayer.
Adult Choir, Choristers, Cherub Choir, hymns, psalms, choir rehearsals, or prayerfully listening to sacred music.
Pray with Others
Gather with others for Scripture, mutual intercession, encouragement, and shared spiritual growth.
Join or begin a prayer group, participate in a Lenten Life Group, or attend a young-adult prayer small group.
Youth Prayer and Education
Participate in youth experiences that create space for worship, prayer, spiritual disciplines, teaching, and Christian community.
Youth Summer Prayer Retreat or Wednesday Night Live.
Pray Before Serving Others
Intentionally begin your volunteer service with prayer so that your actions are grounded in gratitude, compassion, and attention to God and the people you will encounter. Invite those serving with you to join in prayer.
Lead a brief devotion, pray with volunteers, pray for a ministry partner, or pray for the people being served.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
– 1 Thessalonians 5:16 – 18
Making the Commitment to Give
Pledging to the 2027 Stewardship Campaign, Building the Kingdom, directly fuels the mission of Saint Michael as together, we strengthen our ministries, support outreach efforts, and build Christian disciples for a transformed community.
Your commitment makes a lasting difference in our church and the broader community we are called to serve.
Making the Commitment to Serve
As disciples, Jesus calls us to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves, and that means committing to acts of service. We can serve others in many ways, both inside and outside our church community. When we serve one another, we strengthen the community and learn about love.
We are asking you to make an explicit commitment of service, along with your annual pledge.