Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church

"Season of Prayer" continues through Feb. 23

February 15, 2012

In January and February, a review begins in preparation for the setting of appointments at Annual Conference in June. Bishop James Swanson and his Cabinet ask the churches and people of Holston Conference to use the season of Epiphany as a time of prayer for the Holy Spirit's discernment and guidance during this appointment-making process. 


See video with Rev. Randy Frye  
Download complete devotional

Week 7: Feb. 17-23
Scripture: Revelation 1:14-22, “I am standing at the door knocking.”
Reflection: Commitment to live as bold, passionate, and joyful communities of faith.
Prayer: For renewal within our congregations, that we may be faithful in our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Week 6: Feb. 10-16
Scripture: John 14:18-27: “Peace I give to you ...”
Reflection: Preparation for change.
Prayer: For those pastors, families, and congregations who are experiencing the grief of leaving while at the same time anticipating new leadership and new places of service.

Week 5: Feb. 3-9
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9: "My grace is sufficient for you."
Reflection: Trust in the midst of unexpected changes
Prayer: For those pastors, families, and congregations experiencing an unexpected change in pastoral leadership

Week 4: Jan. 27-Feb. 2
Scripture: 11 Timothy 1:8-14: "Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord."
Reflection: Faithfulness in the call to ministry in every change or circumstance
Prayer: For the purposes of God to be met in all of the changes that take place and for transitions to go well

Week 3: Jan. 20-26
Scripture: Matthew 5:16, "Let your light shine before others."
Reflection: The gifts and graces needed to draw people to Christ
Prayer: For the gifts and graces of all pastors in Holston Annual Conference to be used for God’s purposes

Week 2: Jan. 13-19
Scripture: Romans 10:14-15, "How are they to hear without a preacher?”
Reflection: Those who are in ministry and those who are hearing a call
Prayer: For the Lord to raise up pastors to preach Christ and to care for his Church and for that calling to go out in the midst of Resurrection 2012 and in other events for youth
    
Week 1: Jan. 6-12
Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16, “and his gifts were that some should be ...”
Reflection: The whole of ministry in our church and the role of each one
Prayer: For those in authority in the church, that they may have discernment of God’s purposes and the opportunities to further God’s will, and for each congregation, that they may be faithful to God’s calling