Pray Together UMCNA: Recent Episodes
prayingtogether
Retired teacher Michelle Jones offers wisdom and prayer for teachers headed back to the classroom.
Young Will Hulsey shares a prayer for students to say before the school day starts. The prayer is adapted from "A Child's Prayer for School" by D.G. Hollums, published by UMC Discipleship Ministries.
Are you up to the challenge of praying with someone with whom you disagree? Rev. Kiki Wood Terry has some good advice to help you with that.
Rev. Donna Godwin winds up our series on The Lord's Prayer with a look at the final benediction, which is not included in all translations of Scripture
Bonita Gill addresses "lead us not into temptation" from the perspective of Black liberation theology.
Bethany Evans talks about the gift of God's forgiveness and the gift it us for us to extend it to others.
Rev. Fred Webster uses the First Nations version of the New Testament to share how Native Americans pray for daily bread.
Rev. Donna Godwin says that when we pray this portion of The Lord's Prayer, we are asking that heaven and earth be united in God's will.
As we continue the series on The Lord's Prayer, Joey Butler talks about the holy name of God.
Rev. Donna Godwin kicks off a podcast series which will take us deep into the Lord's Prayer.
If you're feeling the despair of living in dark times, Rev. Ted Amey wants you to know that hope begins in the dark.
Divine Mercy Sunday focuses on God's immense mercy. Learn more about it from Rev. Carol Gullatt.
When it's hard to find the words to pray, Rev. Tammy Jackson recommends using images, a practice called visio divina.
Bishop Jonathan Holston is inspired to pray using hymns such as "Sweet Hour of Prayer."
Rev. Adlene Kufarimai points out that confession is part of the pattern of grace that moves us toward holiness.
Can you put aside the noise, the words, the clang and clamor that surrounds us and find silence? Silence, says Rev. Michael Bowman, is the place of encounter with God.
Rev. Emily Nelms Chastain ponders Jesus' statement "I Am the Door" from the Gospel of John.
Listen as Rev. Roger Short contemplates Jesus' statement "I Am the Light of the World."
Bishop Jonathan Holston prepares us for our Lent Series, which encourages us to pray the seven "I am" statements found in the Gospel of John.
Rev. Steve West offers a Morning Praise and Prayer service using the United Methodist Book of Worship and the United Methodist Hymnal.
As we begin a new calendar year, Rev. Roger Short advises us to be open enough and curious enough to live into new ways of praying.
Rev. Nancy Hornsby shares a prayer found in a family member's Bible that has special meaning for her.
Rev. Amy Parsons Vaughn shares A Prayer of Susanna Wesley, #528 in The United Methodist Book of Worship.
Rev. Sally Allocca has found that letting people know you're praying for them in the moment is meaningful and builds deeper relationships.
Lament as a prayer in times of crisis is not complaining to God, says Bonita Gill. Rather it is an honest and healing form of prayer.
In the weeks following Easter, we are using The United Methodist Book of Worship as a guide for prayer. This week, Rev. Marian Royston talks about "Sacrifice."
In the weeks following Easter, we are using The United Methodist Book of Worship as a guide for prayer. This week, Rev. Nan Hastings shares "Heirs to God's Throne."
In the weeks following Easter, we are using The United Methodist Book of Worship as a guide for prayer. This week, Rev. R.G. Wilson-Lyons shares about "The Garden."
In the weeks following Easter, we are using The United Methodist Book of Worship as a guide for prayer. Rev. Bill Morgan addresses "God Our Shepherd."
In the weeks following Easter, we are using The United Methodist Book of Worship as a guide for prayer. Rev. Danny Poss shares his story of God's presence in "Through the Storms."
In the weeks following Easter, we are using The United Methodist Book of Worship as a guide for prayer. Rev. Adam Burns and Rodney, a member at Church of the Reconciler, invite us to "Come to the Table."
In the weeks following Easter, we are using The United Methodist Book of Worship as a guide for prayer. Conference Lay Leader Lisa Keys Mathews shares thoughts on "New Creation."
As we begin Holy Week, Stephanie Sparks asks us to spend time in prayer using the words Jesus speaks from the cross.
Rev. Sally Allocca shares how taking up prayer walking has enriched her time with God during Lent.
Rev. Donna Godwin has some good ideas for the Lenten practice of giving up or taking up a habit.
Lent is a perfect time to try Lectio Divina, a Scripture-based prayer practice recommended to us in this podcast by Rev. John Fleischauer.
During Lent, the Pray Together podcast will challenge you to try new prayer practices. In this episode, Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield encourages us to find or form a prayer partnership.
Rev. Tammy Jackson talks about the intersection of prayer and health, and how as Christians we believe praying is good for our health.
Consider all of the different prayer practices you may have heard or explored, and all the ways we pray together or individually. One place where those all intersect is in a Prayer Chapel. Listen as Joey Butler shares some of his experiences and offers encouragement for you to serve in or create a prayer chapel space as a means of support for each other.
Rev. Roger Short reviews Living in an Icon: A program for Growing Closer to Creation and to God by Frederick Krueger and Robert Gorrfried.
Rev. Dale Clem reflects on the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and how we might model our prayer lives on her example.
Rev. Steve West guides us through the Wesley Covenant prayer, used at the beginning of the new year by many United Methodist congregations to renew their covenant with God.
Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield invites us to light four candles and prepare for a meditation on love. Thanks to AndrewRemillard.com for use of the hymn Love Came Down at Christmas.
Holidays aren't always joyful. On December 21 each year, the longest night, we acknowledge those who may be sad for a variety of reasons. Listen as Stephanie Sparks shares a litany of worship for Blue Christmas.
Rev. Donna Godwin shares on the topic of Peace, the theme of the second week of Advent.
On the first Sunday of Advent, Rev. Megan Barber guides you through a meditation using your favorite Nativity set.
Author Jeannie Waters discusses her book A Place at His Table: God’s Daily Gifts to Satisfy Your Heart.
This week we are sharing Breath Prayers from the Asbury Bham Meditations Podcast. Many thanks to Asbury UMC for allowing us to share this meditation.
When we pray for peace, says Andy Rickles, we are actually praying that we will become peacemakers.
Rev. Donna Godwin shares about the Methodist movement's history in advocating for workers, then shares a prayer for Labor Day.
Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield guides us through the Serenity Prayer. While it is known as a prayer widely used in addiction recovery programs, it is indeed a powerful prayer for all.
Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett offers a prayer for the 2023 annual meeting of the North Alabama Conference.
Children's minister Cristin Dedmon has a great many ideas for praying with children. Have a listen and give them a try!
Stephanie Sparks asks us to consider all the different kinds of families around us, and to pray with and for each other's families.
Sometimes the phrase "thoughts and prayers" makes us cringe. But as Bob Bentley reminds us, thoughts and prayers can be a holy and vital way to connect with God and others.
Rev. Renae Rickles Perry explains the "4 Rs" method of walking a labyrinth and shares a personal labyrinth experience of her own.
Rev. Tim Tatum shares how using Anglican prayer beads can enrich your prayer time with God.
Do you have a prayer pattern? Rev. Tammy Jackson has developed one that works for her, and shares it with us as a guide to develop our own.
Author Lori Hatcher and her husband Rev. David Hatcher talk about creating intentional devotional time as a couple and how it has strengthened their relationship.
Rev. R.G. Lyons compares endurance in prayer to hiking. Like a challenging hike, it takes focusing on the next step and listening for what God is saying.
Rev. Donna Godwin has learned that we don't pray in order to change God, but rather we pray to be transformed by God.
Kathleen Lalor reminds us that reconciliation is a journey rather than a moment in time.
Rev. Ted Leach has found that when you make prayer a priority, the Spirit changes all the other priorities in your life.
Repentance is hard, says Joey Butler, and impossible on our own. Prayer can help you take that first step.
In this week's podcast, Rev. Judy Shepherd, a leader of Silent Retreats, has some things to say about Holy Listening.
Rev. Arthur Harrison, a military chaplain serving in the Army Reserve Corps, shares stories to encourage us to pray for those called to serve in the armed forces.
The reign of God, Rev. Steve West reminds us, is something we pray for often and something Jesus described in many ways. Steve puts it all together for us in this week's podcast.
Those serving as missionaries desire and need our prayers. Rev. Matt Lacey, Director of United Methodists Volunteers in Mission for the Southeast Jurisdiction, has a conversation with Wil Bailey, a missionary serving in Costa Rica, about praying for missionaries.
Christ followers are called to be forgiving and forgiven people. Rev. Amy Parsons Vaughn shares an opportunity to learn to become more intentional in this practice that is a foundation of the Christian life.
In this week's podcast, we learn from Rev. Susie Knedlik that praying for peace may require us to do more after we pray.
Rev. Reenae Perry guides listeners through a prayer based on Psalm 23 using prayer beads.
Using writings from John Wesley's journal, Rev. Roger Short reminds us to look back at the history of the church as we pray for what we're experiencing now.
Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield shares how the New Year is a good time for finding new ways to pray.
As Rev. Sandy West can attest, not every Christmas season is merry and bright for every person.
Do you ever need help finding the words to pray? Robin Schultz shares her experience that during hectic times like the Advent season, we can find help through the Holy Spirit.
A great idea from Stephanie Sparks is to be intentional about praying over your tree and other festive items connected with Advent and the Christmas season.
Rev. Jessica Lane uses John 17 to teach us how Jesus prayed for himself and his Apostles, and how we can use it to pray for those we love.
Are you thankful in all circumstances? Rev. Adlene Kufarimai helps us find a way to give thanks when we feel joyful and even when we don't.
Author Lori Hatcher shares about the powerful practice of intentional prayers for your adult children.
Rev. Sherill Clontz talks to Beth Reid about Zentangle Prayer. Check our Facebook page for pictures!
Rev. Renae Perry guides us through prayer using our imagination by placing us in the story of Bartimaeus.
The United Methodist Book of Worship has various prayers for different types and stages of work. Joey Butler shares these, along with a brief recap of the United Methodist Church's efforts to support workers through the years.
The United Methodist Book of Worship has various prayers for different types and stages of work. Joey Butler shares these, along with a brief recap of the United Methodist Church's efforts to support workers through the years.
Hear what Andy Rickles has to say about The Jesus Prayer, used by many as a discipline of praying without ceasing or as a personal form of self reflection.
Rev. Clayton Grider, a teacher and coach, offers prayers for those involved with caring for our children in the school setting.
Rev. Donna Godwin reviews the book What If Jesus Was Serious About Prayer by Skye Jethani.
Rev. Ted Amey explains the power behind praying for the whole person in addition to specific needs.
The Church, the Body of Christ, deserves our fervent prayers. Listen as Rev. Roger Short explains.
Rev. Ben Padgett shares an experience he had praying in tongues that had a big impact on his life and ministry.
Although it may be beyond your comfort zone, Concert Prayer—also called Praying Out Loud—can be a powerful experience for a group. Bob Bentley shares some information and an example of Concert Prayer.
In the Lord's Prayer we ask God to forgive us as we forgive others. Rev. Steve West says that "as" is the longest two-letter word we say. See what you think.
Listen as Pam Townsend relates how she has progressed to praying without ceasing through intentional habit.
Jessica Brodie and Lori Hatcher discuss Hatcher's book Refresh Your Prayers: Uncommon Devotions to Restore Power and Praise.
Some of our biggest worries are over money. Mike O'Kelley of the United Methodist Foundation has some suggestions about praying for financial well-being.
Rev. Nancy Hornsby reminds us that time is a gift we can't buy, but we can control how we use it.
Andy Rickles guides us through praying with our anger, whether righteous or not, and teaches use of the examen to help us let it go.
Rev. Dorothy Ann Webster offers guidance for writing unison prayers to use in worship services.
There are multiple reasons and techniques for prayer vigils. Deanna Shotts tells us about a few of them.
Jesus told us to visit those in prison. For many reasons, that is a difficult thing to do. Bob Bentley points out in this podcast that praying for incarcerated persons—and being prayed for by them—is a holy thing.
Do you call on the Holy Spirit as you pray? Rev. Donna Godwin reminds us of the Advocate we have to present our requests to God.
Rev. Roger Short shares a review of one of his prayer resources—Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness—a book by Nan C. Merrill.
Rev. Judy Shepherd shares how she has taken her study of Scripture to a new level by reading prayerfully.
Do you ever think you're not doing it right when it comes to prayer? You aren't alone. Hear what Rev. Nancy Cole has learned.
Have you ever been asked to pray out loud in public? Does the thought of it make you shake in your shoes? Rev. Dorothy Ann Webster has some advice about being prepared to pray in public.
What is your prayer for the church, the Body of Christ, as we begin a new calendar year?
Stephanie Sparks reminds us that in a chaotic season full of many emotions, we can find joy knowing God is with us always.
Amidst crowds and shopping and noise and parties, do you have to dig deep for love? Joey Butler offers some helpful advice.
Do you long for peace? Rev. Angela Martin says that maybe the first step is seeking peace within ourselves.
Hope, a dominant theme of Advent, should be in our prayers daily. Hear as Rev. Ted Amey shares reasons for hope.
This week, we'll be giving thanks for many things. Rev. Donna Godwin reminds us that prayers of thanksgiving can be a spiritual discipline for every week of the year.
Rev. Kay Mutert shares ways to bring deeper meaning to our prayer life through use of a labyrinth.
Author Robert Benson has some words about All Saint's Day and remembering those who had a big impact on your faith life.
Grieving happens to all humans, and many find it difficult to pray in those times. But as Rev. Sandra Locke-Godbey reminds us, we have the Psalms to turn to in our grief.
Rev. Nancy Cole shares how visually imagining the outcome of your prayer can bring deeper meaning to your conversations with God.
Do you have a special prayer space in your home? Donna McAnnally shares how her kitchen is hers.
One way to approach God with the heart of a child is through coloring. Hanna Schock talks about ways to incorporate this prayer practice.
Everything you do, even mundane tasks, can be done prayerfully. Rev. Nancy Hornsby advises us to set our intentions to make this possible.
Repeating words, phrases or verses of Scripture is a comforting way to enter the presence of God. Rev. Donna Godwin teaches us about praying a mantra.
Praying for our enemies sure sounds difficult. As Bob Bentley helps us realize, maybe the most difficult part is defining who our enemies are.
Liz Bowlin shares some specific ways to pray for teachers as schools are starting back in the coming weeks.
If you're a person who hikes or walks regularly, you can make your walking time a time of prayer. Rev. Dale Clem recommends Praying at 3 MPH. Dale has also included a separate bonus recording to guide you.
Rev. Nancy Hornsby shares a review of the book Sacred Time: Embracing an Intentional Way of Life by Christine Valters Paintner.
Rev Susie Knedlik, Rev. Judy Shepherd and Deanna Shotts talk about the importance of silence as part of a healthy prayer life
Rev. R.G. Wilson-Lyons shares his belief that working for justice must include praying for justice.
With North Alabama clergy in new appointments moving this week, Rev. Dr. Adlene and Rev. Dr. Tiwirai Kufarimai suggest ten days of prayer for these pastors and congregations.
Rev. Jeff Armbrester finds he can really listen to the Holy Spirit when his hands are busy serving others.
Hanna Schock shares how Christian Mindfulness can not only get us out of a spiritual rut, but can also help us replace negative feelings and emotions.
Rev. Judy Shepherd uses Protestant prayer beads to focus during prayer time. If you're interested in learning more, email lcosby@umcna.org.
Rev. Ben Padgett shares his experience of using a short, effective prayer in his ministry.
Rev. Melody Traylor tells a story of an experience she had of praying for a miracle when prodded by the Holy Spirit.
Rev. Tom Hermans-Webster offers thoughts on praying for civility, using one of the most expressive prayers in Scripture as a guide.
Rev. Denise Mullaney shares the practice of Welcoming Prayer as a way to deal with the negative feelings we encounter.
Stephanie Sparks shares a review of Every Moment Holy, a book of liturgy for everyday life by Douglas McKelvey.
Do you have a daily practice of prayer? Rev. Donna Godwin shares her morning prayer routine to inspire you to create your own ritual of prayer.
Have you ever thought of blessing more than the food at meals? The prayer team at Woodlawn UMC in Birmingham has some suggestions.
Neal Fuller, Conference Director of Celebrate Recovery, has words of wisdom for both addicts and those praying for them.
All Saints Day is Sunday, November 1, 2020. Beth Richardson reminds us of the importance of remembering those who influenced your faith journey.
Kara Oliver of Upper Room Ministries shares about praying with our bodies through the practice of yoga.
Myscha Crouch takes us along on one of her prayer walks. Maybe you'd like to make this a new habit!
Barbara Mosley has a prayer resource that has helped her consistently for many years. Listen as she shares about Prayers That Avail Much by Germaine Copeland.
Rev. Earl Freeman shares some ideas learned from the book Divine Echoes by Mark Gregory Karris.
This week we learn about praying through Scripture using Lectio Divina from Rev. Stephen Bryant of the Upper Room.
Rev. Tom Albin, Director of Spiritual Formation and Congregational Life for The Upper Room, advises listeners to consider forming a Prayer Team for ministry support.
The Daily Office is an ancient pattern of prayer at set times of day. Rev. Joshua Allison participates in this practice as a member of the Order of St. Luke. Hear what he has to say about his experience in praying the Daily Office.
Dr. Bill Morgan reviews Private Prayers in Public Places by Donald G. Shockley. This book deepened his life of prayer, and he hopes it will do the same for you.
Rev. Ted Leach talks about his experience with Breath Prayer, a meaningful way to communicate with God.
This week Rev. Beth Richardson, Director of Prayer and Upper Room Worship Life, talks about the unique characteristics of Prayer in the Celtic Tradition.
Paula Crosby shares a review of one of her favorite books on prayer, and where the realizations it brings has led her.
Rev. Sherill Clontz shares some ideas for using social media to expand our prayer lives.
Rev. Dale Cohen shares about his experience of hiking the Camino Santiago as a prayer pilgrimage. Visit the Pray Together UMCNA Facebook page to see pictures and post questions for Dale to answer!
When we realize we don't have all the answers, we're ready to pray for surrender. Rev. Amy Howard has some thoughts to share.
Rev. Yohan Hong shares what we can learn about prayer from the practices of Korean Christians.
Rev. John Fleischauer invites listeners to take a Prayer Walk and intentionally pray for those everyday things all around us.
Rev. Donald Smith shares what the Scripture tells us about justice and how to pray for it.
Kara Oliver of Upper Room Ministries offers information on practicing Contemplative Prayer in our seemingly mundane daily routines. Visit umcna.org/PrayTogether to download a list of resources she provided to get you started.
During these challenging days, it may be a good idea to do a daily examen. Rev. Sheri Ferguson leads us through the process.
Wesley scholar Rev. S T Kimbrough talks about the prayer practices of John and Charles Wesley. You may be inspired to try some of their prayer practices.
If it seems like God isn't hearing your prayers because you aren't getting the answer you want, listen to Rev. Rick Owen's take onUnanswered Prayers.
Rev. Roger Short shares his advice on praying when you're fearful or anxious—a timely message!
Rev. Wade Langer, Conference Director of Campus Ministries, offers some valuable insight on praying for college students.
Rev. Dr. Trav Wilson shares his experience of deepening his life of faith through a yearly retreat for prayer and silence.
Rev. Ted Amey shares from his experience of praying for the terminally ill. Although it seems one of the most difficult of prayers, there is joy to be found.
Kara Oliver of Upper Room Ministries talks about the spiritual discipline of Centering Prayer and how silence can improve our spiritual well being.
Rev. Patsy Carlberg practices daily journaling as a prayer practice because of the power she finds in the written word. It's a practice you might want to try as well.
Rev. Kiki Terry helps embolden us to pray at any time for any circumstance we encounter in our daily lives.
Rev. Amy Parsons Vaughn shares her experience on praying through weaving. You don't have to have a loom!
Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett advises those who wish to experience spiritual fasting that Lent is an ideal time to do so.
Rev. Steve West believes that praying through song is like praying twice. See if you agree.
Tom Albin, Director of Spiritual Formation for Upper Room Ministries, talks about healing prayer.
Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield offers suggestions to give recited and memorized prayers new meaning.
Sherri Easdon and Rev. David Commer of Fair Haven share four specific ways to pray for older adults
Rev. Stephen Bryant and Rev. Dale Clem discuss using the Upper Room Devotional book for daily prayer.
Linda Holland, Director of Connectional Ministries for the North Alabama Conference, shares her experience using prayer prompts.