One of the most beautiful things about the body of Christ is it’s rich diversity. God has assembled a vast array of expressions of faith in Jesus Christ. In eternity we will worship God in the context of His holiness, with a multitude of other lovers of Jesus from every tribe, tongue and nation. Today we get to sample this vastness when we walk in unity. Even within same giftedness there are different expressions. Likewise, I have found that “prayer” is vast as the ocean. God has placed within each of us a grace to pray, which is unique from everybody else. There are things we are gripped by more than others. There are ways to pray that work for each of us that are unique. Some folks love to pray for the nations. Others don’t feel they’ve really prayed unless they complete their prayer list. Still others exercise this grace to pray healing into people’s lives. Whatever your unique application is, don’t stop looking for it. You will find your greatest satisfaction and effectiveness when you operate in the grace that God has given to you!
The best way to find yours is to try others. I know I have personally grown through experiencing many different prayer styles and formats that are operating across the globe. Some I feel way more at home in, while others are quite stretching, but nevertheless, I am more equipped and better because of them! After all, iron really does sharpen iron! Here are some options…
Athens Intercessors
In the past has met on a Saturday at the Wesley Chapel. Waiting for a few things to settle before scheduling the next gathering. These are truly an expression of the body of Christ across the city praying together. Details for the next gathering will be released sometime soon.
Athens International Prayer Center
AIPC is located at Cornerstone Church – 4860 Lexington Road, Athens. They are currently open Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Worship is continual via cd, live stream from IHOP Kansas City or live musicians. They just started a Thursday evening encounter service. A calendar (and website) will soon be available with more specific times and details for various types of prayer. Please feel free to drop in and pray a bit anytime during the week!
Athens School of Ministry & Worship Arts
They welcome those who want to seek the Lord to overcome spiritual hindrances, emotional wounds, and relational pain. Those who would like to receive Prayer Ministry can sign up by going to asmwa.org/Request-Appointment. ASMWA also trains people in prayer healing. There is no charge for this service, but donations are welcome!
City Church of Athens
Located at 4019 Atlanta Hwy, Athens, GA 30606, they meet up every second Saturday for their all-church prayer meeting from 8am to 10am. Then every third Saturday they have their men’s prayer group from 8am to 10am. Anybody is welcome to join in! Please stop by and bless them with your prayer partnership!
Classic City Church Ministry Center
Located at 386 N Milledge Avenue, Athens, (2 blocks down from The Varsity), they meet every Wednesday from 6pm to 7pm to worship and pray. Everyone is welcome so feel free to stop by and give them your support.
People Who Will Pray Network
This is a ministry that provides prayer over the phone. Each weekday from 8:50 to 9:15am folks can call in and receive prayer. To get a taste of what they do, pick up your phone during one of the time slots, dial 712-432-1212, when prompted enter 416 568 143#. For more information contact Beverly Coleman at 706-254-9281 or email: peoplewhowwillpraynetwork@gmail.com. If you are interested in receiving prayer or being a prayer this is a great opportunity to dive in.
Nights of Healing Prayer
Once a month from 7:00 to 8:30pm the folks from St James and Gateway United Methodist Churches minister to people through prayer. Each month they alternate venues. On Thursday, September 18, they will be at St. James (111 West Lake Drive, Athens 30606). And on Thursday, October 16, they will be at Gateway (6425 Jefferson Road, Athens 30607). For more info please contact Sandy Blount at 706-296-6192 or sandy.blount@gmail.com.
Prayer walking
Getting on site with insight. We walk and cry out for God to do amazing things among us. Currently we are prayerfully preparing the way for the “21 Day Challenge” coming up this Fall. Next prayer walk is August 9. Meet at the UGA arches at 10am. Concludes by noon.
Athens Pastors Prayer Summit
On September 10, pastors and ministry directors are gathering together to pray. If you are a pastor please consider yourself welcome to join us. If you are not a pastor, please be praying for your pastor… that he’d come and that he’d invite other pastors he knows in Athens to also come. Starts at 9am and concludes at 10:30am. The venue is Living Hope, which is located at 2150 Lexington Road, Athens, GA 30605.
Athens Prayer Directory
In the future I hope to compile a more complete list of ongoing prayer opportunities in Athens as well as the occasional events that arise. If you know of any please send me the details (what it is, who’s welcome, any specific prayer focus, where and when, etc.).
If you’d like more information on the Athens Prayer Network (APN) or would like to make a donation please check out our website – athensprayernetwork.com. If you have any corrections to the above information or want me to know about your prayer group/ministry, please email me at athensprayernetwork@gmail.com. Thanks!
May the Lord God Almighty continue to guide your feet up His holy hill so that you might take your unique place as a prayer warrior in our city!!!
