08/31/2026
UMC Resource recently posted an article about Breakthrough Prayer - a simple, intentional congregational practice that invites a church to name the places where it needs God to make a way forward and then consistently pray for that breakthrough.
It is not about convincing God to give us what we want. It is about creating space for a congregation to seek God’s direction, trust God’s presence, and become attentive to the possibilities God is already creating.
The key is to identify a specific area for prayer rather than simply asking God to “bless our church.”
Specific prayers help us recognize specific answers.
Our current prayer focus has been discerning our church home. I challenge us to all pray the following prayer:
Gracious God, we believe that you have a plan for us and are at work among us. Your plans are better than we can imagine. Guide us as we discern our future, seeking a church home where we can be of maximum service to you.
Show us where you are leading. Remove whatever stands in the way of your purposes, and give us the courage to follow where you lead. Help us see possibilities where we see obstacles. Make a way forward, and make us ready to walk in it. Amen.
The article suggests people pray at a particular time each day. There is something powerful about knowing that people across a congregation are pausing at the same time to seek God together. We suggest 3:56 as our time, based on Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
-Rev. Donna Godwin
