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 Sample Prayer Ministry Forms
Appendix E
Here are some suggested forms a prayer coordinator may create to encourage effective, specific prayer. Be careful that paperwork does not replace prayer time!
Information brochure/sheet/card
Provide the church with a brief overview of the prayer ministry. Describe ways for each believer to become involved. Begin with the Biblical priority of prayer. Encourage each believer to renew a personal passion to pray unceasingly and to reclaim the church as a house of prayer with a passion for the lost. List the purpose statements, yearly prayer events, and each prayer and training opportunity. Give directions to the prayer room, explain the watchman network and/or include a testimony from a Prayer Journey. Perhaps include a tear-off commitment card on the bottom. Include these in the new member packets or as handouts at church meetings.
Commitment card
Create a simple card to encourage every believer to participate in the prayer ministry. Design the card as a tear off from the information sheet or so that 2 or 3 of them fit on one piece of heavy weight paper. Then make copies and cut. Distribute the cards in the bulletin, pew racks, and in Bible Study classes. Include a blank line for name, address, phone number, e-mail address, comments or questions and available times to pray. Provide different levels of commitment to help everyone be involved at whatever point they feel led. You may provide a space to check if they wish to pray for one hour or more per week in the prayer room, be a substitute, attend prayer training, or participate in a Prayer Journey.
Include a short paragraph that something like, "I commit under the Lord’s leadership to renew a personal passion to pray unceasingly. I will participate in the prayer room at my assigned time and enlist a substitute when absent. I understand and agree that ALL prayer requests are confidential."
Prayer request card
Create a simple card to list prayer requests. Include an area, "Pray For" and include blank spaces for name, address, phone number, email address, date requested, dates prayed for and date answered. Perhaps include the categories "Prayer request is for a believer, unbeliever or unsure. If unsure please find out and pray for unbelievers to be saved."
Provide a lot of space for the prayer request and updates. You may want to use different color pens for requests, updates and answers. Ask if it is all right to send the person a personal note.
Include an area "Prayer Requested By" and include space for information about that person, including if the source of the request came from a church member, Internet web page, or friend. Include space to indicate if a Prayer Note was sent, a referral was made to a staff member or other follow up was done.
Prayer Notes/Prayergram
Create a post card, note card, or letter system to follow-up on prayer requests. Some churches have created a Prayer stationary or a self contained "Prayergram." Include scripture, (Phil. 4:6-7, Matt. 21:22, Any of John 17, James 5:16, etc), the name of the church, a contact person and something like "We are praying for you." Please do not create a form letter.
Reminder card/emails
Create a small reminder card or e-mail message for your volunteers. Include their scheduled prayer time, an upcoming event or training, and a prayer request.
Weekly/monthly reports
Creating a weekly or monthly report form can help keep the ministry of prayer before the congregation and leadership. Make these reports in business meetings, in the church newsletter or in the bulletin. List the number of volunteers who prayed, the number of hours they prayed, the number of requests received, and a testimony of answered prayer. Include information about any upcoming or completed training activities.
Budget worksheet
Maintain a budget worksheet to help the finance committee fund the prayer ministry. Include the budget year, contact person with phone number/email address, ministry name and existing account number. Include columns for the previous year budget amount and the new requested amount. Provide an itemized list of what is needed by amount. Include supplies, publicity, fellowships, training, and prayer events. Some churches like to have a column showing how much you anticipate will be spent from the budget each month.
Prayer Room instructions
Create a page of instructions to be left in the prayer room. Include enough information so anyone coming to the prayer room knows what to do. Remind the individual to lay aside the issues that detract from focusing on the Lord. Begin with personal intercession and praying for forgiveness. Leave instructions on how to check the answering machine, web page or rolodex. Remind the volunteer of the protocol for taking prayer requests when they answer the phone. Explain the prayer stations of praying for believers, unbelievers and personal spiritual need.
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