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Prayer at GBC

Prayer is a vital part of the life of Gawler Baptist Church.  Our prayer together doesn’t primarily focus on a particular time for gathering but we take a multifaceted approach.  This provides various opportunities for people to pray together as well as encouraging people in their own prayer life. The following are the various things happening during any week which provide opportunity for prayer.  Some of them are to do with prayer with others, some are to do with personal prayer.
Qavah Prayer Group Qavah (pronounced k’var)  is the Hebrew word for ‘wait’ in the sense of waiting on the Lord. It’s meaning has a number of aspects:
  • To bind together, as in twisting strands to make a rope;
  • To look patiently;
  • To wait;
  • To hope, expect, look eagerly.
A Qavah group will consist of 2 or 3 people who have committed to come together and regularly pray with one another.   The main purpose of the Qavah groups is to prayerfully wait on the Lord; to bring ourselves and our concerns before him, looking eagerly to and anticipating what he might do. You can find further details about the groups here.

Sue coordinates these groups and is available for any help you might need.  If you wish to contact Sue you can reach her here.
A Prayer Discipline People are encouraged to regularly engage in a simple prayer discipline.  This is something which will add to our prayer life as a congregation and foster our own spiritual life and growth.  We are suggesting that we take up the simple practice of Lectio Divina (Divine Reading). Lectio Divina is an ancient practice that has been part of the prayer life of the Christian church for centuries.  It is a simple method of praying through the Scripture as a means of interaction with God.
  • It is about cultivating the ability to listen to the still small voice of the Spirit as He speaks through the Word.
  • It’s primary focus isn’t on gaining further knowledge of the Scripture (although that may happen) but it is about nurturing our friendship with God.
  • It is a means whereby we place ourselves under the authority of God's Word.
You can find out here how to practice Lectio Divina.
Personal Prayer In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Paul says to pray continuously.  This is something we encourage each of us to do in ways which are most meaningful and helpful for us.
Incidental Prayer with Others We encourage people to pray together simply as the opportunity arises within the context of existing friendship relationships.
Sunday Morning Prayer Prayer is part of what happens in the context of our Sunday morning gathering for worship.
  • There is opportunity for prayer prior to the service.  People meet in the Pastor’s office around 9.30.
  • Corporate prayer is an important aspect of our time together in the service itself.
  • Opportunity is given following the service if people want individual prayer.
Home Groups Various Home Groups meet during the week and prayer is part of what they share together.
Prayer Chain People requiring specific prayer can contact the Pastor and he will pass that request to members of the prayer chain who have committed themselves to pray.
Once a Term Corporate Prayer Gatherings It’s good to come together for corporate prayer as a larger group.  We plan these once per term and notice will be given of when they are happening.
Wednesday Morning Quiet Prayer and Reflection The church building is open between 10 am and 12 noon on Wednesday mornings for quiet prayer and reflection.  Come and go as you please.  Someone is available if you would like them to pray for you specifically. This time is also open to the general public.  Contact Sue here if you would like more information.