Welcome to Charlotte
A Guide for the General Conference Prayer Vigil
Begin by focusing yourself. Sit comfortably but upright, feet on the floor anchored in the good creation of the world, hands comfortably on your lap. Pay attention to your breathing. Perhaps begin with a one-word breath prayer (Lord, Abba, Savior, Christ) to center yourself in God’s presence.
Ask God to bless this time of holy conversation. Ask God to remove any obstacles you may have for prayer and allow you to be present to the Spirit as the Spirit is present to you.
Pray for the General Conference as a whole. Seek God’s grace and presence on the gathering so that the Conference may be faithful in guiding us into God’s preferred future for The United Methodist Church.
Pray for each member of your delegation by name. Ask God to give them physical strength for the long days ahead, a spirit of discernment that they may seek to know and do Christ’s will for his church, and a gift of openness to those whose views may differ from their own.
Pray for the bishops who will be presiding over each session. Ask God to guide them in leading the church wisely and with the heart of Christ.
Pray for all who serve the General Conference in support roles: the registration staff, the greeters, the ushers, the secretarial staff, the parliamentarians, the sergeants-at-arms, and all others “behind the scenes.” Ask that their work be upbuilding to the body and a source of grace to the delegates.
Pray for the people of Charlotte with whom the General Conference will cross paths: hotel workers, restaurant staff, transportation services, store clerks, convention center personnel, and many others. Give thanks for their labor and service and ask God to bless them in it. Pray that, no matter how tired or tense General Conference attendees will be, they may be gracious witnesses to Christ.
Pray for your Conference, Bishop, Cabinet, and all pastors and laity that they may be faithful witnesses to the love and grace of God.
Pray for your pastor and your local congregation that it may be strengthened as a place of welcome and mission in the name of Jesus.
Pray that the outcomes of the General Conference will be pleasing in God’s sight and that the people called United Methodist will be strengthened in our worship, work, and witness as a result. Ask God to renew and revive us for the time ahead.
Close by giving thanks to God for this season of prayer.
*Prayer guide written by Rev. Carl Frazier, NC Conference of The United Methodist Church