Genesis Prayer Team

There is a rule which has long existed in the American League but was only adopted into the National League a handful of years ago. It is called the Designated Hitter rule. It means that, of the nine players in the batting line-up, one of them isn’t playing a defensive position. All this player is required to do is bat. Part of the purpose of this is to opt the pitcher out of batting, saving them for the hard work of pitching.

I really hate this rule. For one thing, there have been lots of pitchers in the Major League who have been really good batters, but it is now rare that they get to show that skill. For another thing, most of the position players will be playing for the full nine innings, while pitchers rarely play a full game. In fact, most relief pitchers will only play two innings per game at most. If you think about it, the poor catcher throws the ball at least as many times as the pitcher (albeit, usually not as hard) but does so wearing heavy equipment in 90-degree heat. Even so, the catcher is still expected to take his turn batting. In my humble opinion, scoring runs is the responsibility of every player on the team, and to do that you have to bat. It’s part of what is required.

If you are wondering what this has to do with our life together as the people of Jesus Christ, I will be happy to explain. Prayer is like batting. It’s part of what is required. And yet in too many cases, the pastor is considered the Designated Prayer for the church. It is assumed that, when we gather, I will do the praying. Some people tell me that I have a direct line to God’s ear, something they believe that they don’t have.

Please don’t misunderstand me. I love to pray. Over the last several months, I have been intentional in setting aside more time each day to pray, and as a result, God has spoken to me. Yes, I mean that literally. God has opened my ears and my heart to some wonderful truths. Chief among these truths is this: God wants all of you to pray, too.

Don’t get me wrong. I know that some of you are already powerful prayer warriors! I have heard you. You don’t worry about eloquence. You don’t worry about sounding smart. You aren’t bothered by any of the things that get in the way of effective praying. You simply open your hearts and mouths and tell the Lord what you need to say. Just by saying honest words to the Lord who is listening, you are indeed eloquent, smart, and effective.

I thank God for our prayer warriors! They don’t need me to pray instead of them. They need me to pray along with them, and I need them to pray along with me, too. And, if you don’t think you have the ability to be one of our prayer warriors, I assure you, all it takes is a willingness to speak to our God who is always willing to listen.

Beginning on Sunday, September 20, I hope to start a new prayer team at our church. It is not intended to replace any of our other prayer groups. We need more, not less prayer. On Sunday mornings following worship, at roughly 11:45ish when I am done shaking hands, all who want to participate in this team are invited to join us in the Chapel. It won’t take long, so you won’t be late for lunch. We will simply go over the church calendar for the upcoming week or so and determine which programs, activities, or individuals need the most intentional prayer, and we will get volunteers (individuals or groups) who will offer that intentional prayer each day of that week.

If we pray for our Children’s Ministries and UMYF and leaders, don’t you think God will uplift and support our children and youth? If we pray for the work of the Trustees and the Women’s Circles, don’t you think they will feel God’s encouragement? If we pray for the Choir, the Worship Technical Crew, Administrative Council and the Finance Committee, don’t you think God will give power and direction to their hard work? Is there any part within the life of our Church that God will fail to touch if we prayerfully ask for God to join us in our work?

For our The Bible Year study, I am blessed to use The Life with God Bible. The Scripture is the same New Revised Standard Version that is in our pews, but the commentary helps make connections between the Scriptures and the way we can live in God’s presence every day. One commentary note for Isaiah 36 tells this story: “During World War II the village church of Poughill, England, scheduled a member to pray each hour of the day, seven days a week for the safety of those serving in the military from their community. Because none were killed, to this day the villagers believe God heard and answered their prayers.”

In this same way, I believe God will listen to and answer our prayers, if we will make it our priority to pray.

The Lord be with you!

Rev. Bill Roberts

Charge Conference

Charge Conference for First UMC-Forest City has been scheduled for Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at Oak Grove United Methodist Church. As was the case last year, this will be a cluster Charge Conference for all of the United Methodist Congregations in Rutherford County. All members of our Administrative Council are required to attend and vote, and all church members are invited to attend and observe this important annual meeting.

Here are the upcoming readings for our study of The Bible Year: A Journey Through Scripture in 365 Days

Day 258   Tue. Sept. 15   Matthew 27-28

Day 259   Wed. Sept. 16   Mark 1-3

Day 260   Thurs. Sept. 17   Mark 4-5

Day 261   Fri. Sept. 18   Mark 6

Day 262   Sat. Sept. 19   Mark 7-8

Day 263   Sun. Sept. 20   Mark 9-10:45

Day 264   Mon. Sept. 21   Mark 10:46-12:34

Day 265   Tue. Sept. 22   Mark 12:35-13

Day 266   Wed. Sept. 23   Mark 14

Day 267   Thurs. Sept. 24   Mark 15-16

Day 268   Fri. Sept. 25   Luke 1

Day 269   Sat. Sept. 26   Luke 2

Our study of the Bible Year will continue next Wednesday, September 23, at 5:30 p.m. Wonderful Wednesdays will be back on October 7, but until then, we will bring our own supper. Just remember that we will all be responsible for our own clean-up when we are done!  You are welcome and invited to join our conversation.

Church Calendar