Prayer in the street

Rev Lars Pettersen

Have you ever heard people say, "Faith is a private thing"? Well, in case anyone's in any doubt, as far as our Lord is concerned, it most definitely isn't and was never ever meant to be!

If you received some really good news such as you’ve fallen in love with someone or you’ve just got the job you always wanted, it would be surprising if you didn’t tell at least one other person…!

Well, the Good News which in fact is the best news of all is that Jesus loved His world so much that He was willing to come and live and work in it for a while before suffering and dying for all humanity, and rising from death so that the mess all of us have made of our lives could be sorted and that even death itself would no longer stop those who follow Jesus living on forever with Him!  Those of us who participate in PRAYER IN THE STREET now know the transforming power of this GOOD NEWS and passionately believe that everyone needs to be given the opportunity to experience it for themselves.

So, what’s involved in PRAYER IN THE STREET?

Well, it’s very simple:  We greet, talk and pray with any passer-by who is willing to stop.  As we greet them, we invite them to come into PICC, Lincoln Road, Peterborough for a FREE coffee or tea etc so we can be a little more comfortable and informal.  We make no secret of our faith, but rather tell them that we are local Christians who believe in the power of prayer not only to help wherever appropriate, but more importantly to introduce them to the best relationship of all; namely, relationship with Jesus.

Since starting in October 2006, we have had the immense privilege of spending time with different people EVERY WEEK!  Also, we have met some of the same people again, which has been very encouraging.  As we open the doors of PICC and stand outside praying for “Divine appointments” (as John Wimber used to say), there is a growing familiarity developing between those who pass by and ourselves.  We are in no doubt that God is working among the people here, so we simply watch this space…

Those we have met have asked us to pray for them, for their friends, for their families, or for challenging situations such as the possibility of losing their home or not being able to find employment.  However, the most exciting requests of all have been either for them to know Jesus or to receive His healing.  Besides all the praying, we have also had opportunities to give practical help and advice such as helping them fill up long-winded forms or pointing them to appropriate agencies which could potentially meet some of their day-to-day needs.

We are acutely aware of how little we can do in the area of daily needs, but we offer what we are able.  Nevertheless, we also recognise that our primary role is to develop relationship with those who live and work around us and, like Peter, say,

Silver and Gold I do not have, but what I have I give you.  In The Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!

Acts 3:6

or words to this effect!  Although these words were originally meant literally (and still can be!), they sum up the heart of what PRAYER IN THE STREET is about metaphorically.  In other words, God has called us to be willing and available to offer the gift of Himself in order that those who respond positively will be able to walk with Him for the rest of their lives and therefore be empowered to live and work in the way He shows them.

If you have read this and have found yourself becoming interested in getting involved, please don’t let the moment pass without contacting Amy Fry.  Please note; you don’t need any qualifications except that you already know and love The Lord and feel prompted to respond to His call.  At the time of writing this article, PRAYER IN THE STREET happens every Thursday between 12noon and 1.30pm at PICC, Lincoln Road, Peterborough, but if you are really interested in this ministry, there is no reason why other times and venues cannot be explored.  In fact, the vision is for it to spread across Peterborough and beyond…

Rev Lars Pettersen
Pastor

Open Door Baptist Church, Harris Street, Peterborough