Prayer Chain
Steve Bredehoeft

Prayer stands out as a distinctive characteristic of our Anglican tradition. London Times columnist William Rees-Mogg recently covered the consecration of Rowan Williams as Archbishop of Canterbury under the lead “Can this man bring us to our knees?” Though raised Roman Catholic, Rees-Mogg spoke of the deep impression left by his education, which he states was profoundly influenced by The Book of Common Prayer. Even in this modern world he points to prayer's unique power to change relationships in fundamental ways, both with ourselves and with others.

Enjoined to pray by scripture and The Book of Common Prayer, we stand in the rich Anglican tradition of prayer in its many and varied forms. While all Christians are commanded to “pray for one another,” the Prayer Chain at the Chapel of the Cross brings a ministry of prayer with special emphasis on intercession.

Each month the Prayer Chain distributes a prayer letter. Included are several petitions from The Book of Common Prayer appropriate to the liturgical season. Every week prayers are offered in daily rotation for various aspects of our common life, ranging from the universal Church and sister dioceses and parishes to our individual clergy, parishioners, and parish ministries. Prayer Chain members pray also for specific needs of individuals, nations, and regions. For example, prayers are offered regularly for those in need of healing, those in special need, and those who are bereaved. Additionally, new concerns and thanksgivings are incorporated weekly, or even daily, through the use of 'the chain'.

The Prayer Chain itself consists of 17 parishioners with the Rev. Vicky Jamieson-Drake serving as our clergy liaison.  The vast majority of internal communication with prayer chain members results from notices from clergy and the hard work of the phone coordinators, Mary Esser and Mary Jane Hunt.

While Jesus assures us that not a single sparrow falls without the loving knowledge of the Heavenly Father, we mortals must rely on more prosaic means of awareness. The Prayer Chain has not been left behind in the information age.  Needs and requests can now wing their way via email as well as the more traditional 'phone trees', bringing to attention concerns from next door and around the world. Additionally, members of the chain who can do so meet monthly on the third Wednesday to share fellowship and communal prayer.  For those of us with very restrictive schedules, the Prayer Chain affords tangible opportunity to participate actively but inconspicuously in the life of the parish and the universal Church.

In the sacrament of Baptism, the congregation collectively affirms its commitment to support the newly baptized in their life in Christ. In partial measure, the Prayer Chain strives to fulfill this commitment through prayerful support and intercession on behalf of those who rejoice and those who weep, those with thanksgivings for particular manifestations of God's grace and those in times of deep trial and distress. It serves as a partial realization of our common life in Christ amidst the very real suffering of the world.