Prayer Vigil Resources
Helpful documents and links for the General Conference Prayer Vigil on April 21.
North Carolina Conference, we need your help! We invite you to participate in a Prayer Vigil on April 21 as we turn our hearts and minds toward the upcoming General Conference in Charlotte.
You are encouraged to sign up for a 15-minute prayer slot→
Laity and clergy across North Carolina will be praying for 24 hours for God to guide the delegates’ work at this global gathering of United Methodists from around the world.
Bulletin Insert
Download a PDF bulletin insert to promote the Prayer Vigil in your congregation.
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 the North Carolina Conference delegation by name:
[it would be good to list the names here]
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 the North Carolina Annual Conference, Bishop Shelton, and the Cabinet, all pastors and laity, that we may be faithful witnesses to the love and grace of God across eastern North Carolina.
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.
A Prayer for General Conference
Almighty God, on the Day of Pentecost, your Holy Spirit descended and gave voice and power to the church birthed by the suffering, death, and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ. Hear us as we pray for this part of your family, The United Methodist Church. Grace the General Conference with your presence and power. Where there is any dissension, bring unity; any confusion, clarity of mission; any fear, a holy boldness to seek and do your will. Bless and be with the delegates and all who are present, giving them strength of body and purpose, discerning spirits, and open hearts, that by their actions and decisions, the United Methodist movement may be renewed in our commitment to your mission of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” We pray this in the name of the Lord of the Church, the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.