The next time your church has any kind of an outreach open to the public, try setting up a simple, welcoming prayer station. All you need are a table and chairs in a corner with a banner that says “Prayer,” along with sensitive, Spirit-led intercessors to staff it.
For instance, if your church sponsors a carnival, garage sale, or any other event that might draw people from the surrounding community, offering prayer is an easy way to open a door toward evangelism.
This is not a time to be overly aggressive in seeking out people needing prayer. Rather, just rely on the movement of the Holy Spirit and your obvious presence to draw hurting people to request prayer. In the course of sharing a prayer need, the conversation may turn toward evangelism, but the goal is simply to bring that person’s need to Jesus.
Use intercessors who are sensitive to God’s Spirit, who are good listeners, easy conversationalists, and able to pray focused prayers for the needs expressed. To create an atmosphere of safety and comfort for someone who is perhaps unfamiliar with personal prayer, avoid using more intense, overly expressive intercessors at your prayer station.
Train other volunteers helping with the event to listen for needs expressed in casual conversations during the outreach. The volunteers can make an easy transition, saying something like: “I’m sorry to hear of that struggle. If you would like prayer, we have some people over there who are very good at praying about these things. I can take you to them and introduce you.”
Some visitors may be intrigued enough or experiencing enough hurt in their lives to have the courage to approach the prayer station on their own.
Encourage volunteers to take turns stopping by to receive prayer, too, so visitors can see the station as a nonthreatening, casual, even inviting place. Offering free bottles of water or candy at your table can also break down barriers.
As you have success with your prayer station at outreach events associated with your church, you might consider “going even more public.” Some churches seek permission from authorities to set up prayer stations in more unlikely places, such as on a public sidewalk at a busy intersection or at a citywide festival or concert.
It’s helpful to have a church business card ready to hand out if questions arise about your church’s affiliation or if there is potential for follow-up contact.
You may be surprised at how open people are to receiving prayer. A visible prayer station can help connect people with the idea that your church offers hope in Christ.
