The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:18 to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Prayer is an important aspect to the life of every Christian. There are many books on how to pray or different ways to pray, but a prayer can be as simple as “thank you” or “help me.”
Prayer is integral to the parish life here at St. Matthew’s. Below is a list of the different avenues for prayer here at St. Matthew’s:
- Church Prayer List – Call the church office at 512-345-8314 to add a name to the prayer list. These names are read aloud daily at Evening Prayer and distributed to the parish via the Weekly Word.
- Evening Prayer – Every evening at 6:00 pm. A parish discipline provided as a respite and anchor for the church. Each evening at 6:00 pm, dedicated lay ministers read scripture and lead intercessions for our nation, the leaders of all the nations, and those on our parish prayer list. The service lasts approximately 15 minutes.
- Order of St. Luke – Meets every Saturday, 9:00-10:30 am in B-14 (basement). Our ministry is composed of clergy and laity who believe in the power of healing prayer in the church today. The focus of our meetings is prayer, sharing in safety and confidentiality, support and study. We start each meeting with music, followed by prayer. For more information, please contact Sandy Lanier at Sandy07@flash.net or 512-463-4042 (work) or 512-462-9301 (home). Click here for more information about The International Order of St. Luke.
- Daughters of the King – Meets the second Sunday of the month, following the 10:30 am service, in Rm B-18 (basement). Daughters of the King are women and girls between the ages of seven and one hundred and seven who desire a closer walk with the Lord. St. Matthew’s chapter is known as St. Cecilia, the patron saint of Church Music. We find the Daughters of the King to be a “safe place” in a busy world where we can be together in fellowship, support each other, and pray together for the spread of Christ’s Kingdom here on earth. Prayer requests are maintained in confidence. To be placed on the Daughter’s prayer list, fill out a prayer card and drop it into our Prayer Box located in the foyer of the church or you can contact any member of the order. We can never forget that Prayer is the foundation from which our service grows. Click here for more information about The Daughters of the King organization.
- A Service of Public Healing – Every Wednesday at 12:00 pm in the Sanctuary. A warm and intimate celebration of the Holy Communion, including a dignified ritual of “laying on of hands” for those who come for healing.
- Prayer Shawl Ministry – Meets every Wednesday, 9:30-11:00 am in B-14 (basement). What better way to feel loved and comforted when suffering from an illness then to be wrapped in prayer. That is exactly what the Prayer Shawl Ministry is all about. This ministry knits shawls while praying for the future recipients. There are two people who can help beginners and can help with knitting problems. Some choose to crochet their shawls. As we grow we will meet on other days according to the need. Come join us while we do something special for someone who is gravely ill. All are welcome. For more information contact Valorie Bray at 512-794-9753 or vsb_1@msn.com or visit the Prayer Shawl website.