Prayer Circles

PRAYER SUPPORTERS/PRAYER CIRCLES

by Gail K. Kachnycz; 04 March 2021

      A person experiencing chronic illness and their care giver will need prayer support throughout their journey, however long or short. Most people have an informal network of those they rely on for prayer. As chronic illness continues or possibly worsens, developing a more organized network of support may be helpful.

     The model demonstrated by Jesus is described in the Gospels. The inner circle shared the most intimate relationship and support (Peter, James and John). The other disciples formed a wider circle, but still received special training and attention. Beyond the twelve were other devoted followers, many of whom were in the group of 120 in the upper room. Beyond this group was the wider world of all believers.

     The person with chronic illness and their care givers have experiences that overlap in some areas and differ in others. In my experience, each individual needs their own set of prayer circles. There will be a few (Peter, James and John) that share the most intimate details of the struggles. Serious issues, but not as deep, are shared with a small group (similar to The Twelve). This should be a group in which the person feels comfortable and whose members know how to protect confidential information. The next level is probably the church-wide prayer chain; support for general concerns are listed there.

     For practical instructions on setting up prayer circles, see Chapter 12, “Personal Prayer Partners,” in the book Possessing the Gates of the Enemy by Cindy Jacobs. She describes how to identify and invite those who would be the inner circle and the slightly larger group of those who are committed to pray. She also lists some cautions and safeguards to include, since you are sharing personal concerns and need confidentiality and well-defined boundaries.