Prayer is an integral part of our worship, classes, Bible study, and meetings at church.

Prayer is an important part of home devotions.

The congregational prayer chain currently has 31 participants.

Knitters! Yes, we have a Prayer Shawl ministry. Join these people in sharing prayers and love for folks at important times in their lives. Judy Olness, Kay Walker, Jeri Lubahn, Claire Lovick, and Cathy Pickett are among the knitters.

An article published in the December 7, 2004, Women’s Day magazine titled, "The Healing Power of Prayer”, had these highlights.

• A 28 year study in California found that the risk of dying from any cause was 36% less for those who attend religious services frequently than for others. Another study of more than 20,000 Americans found that attending services frequently can add seven years to your life if you are Caucasian and fourteen years if you are African American.
• One of the best predictors of survival among heart-surgery patients was the degree to which they drew comfort and strength from faith and prayer, according to a Dartmouth medical Center study.
• Research shows that adolescents and adults who come from religious backgrounds have been found to be less likely to begin smoking, use illegal drugs, contract sexually transmitted diseases and become alcoholics.
• It’s been more than 30 years since Herbert Benson, M.D., who teaches at Harvard, identified the ‘relaxation response,’ the body’s innate quiet state. Numerous studies have now demonstrated that meditation can change brain activity and improve immune response, which can lower the heart rate and blood pressure. And that reduces the body’s stress response.

Prayer Starter: Lord, if this is my last week on earth…help me to do this: ____________________.

Share your time and talents

• Pray.
• Join the Prayer Chain. We have an active Prayer Chain group. As you have prayer requests, and desire others to pray for someone, please phone them to Brenda Booth (282-6285), or e-mail her at booth.brenda@mayo.edu.
• Pick up a Daily Devotion Booklet in the tract rack in the narthex - 4 options including large print and one for young families.