Welcome to Immanuel United Methodist Church’s virtual prayer room!

We are so glad you are here.

Prayer is our way to enter into holy conversation with God.  God, who is constantly seeking us and inviting us into relationship, cherishes any and all time that we spend with God.

Together in Prayer: 12-month prayer pilgrimage

​Join United Methodists of Upper New York on a 12-month prayer pilgrimage. Together in Prayer is a call to reconnect with the essence of who we are as people of faith, disciples of Christ, and United Methodists.  

Resources for the month of October are now available. Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez kicks off the initiative with the theme, "Reclaim. Revive. Renew."

Click here for resources. 

Click here to register to be a part of the pilgrimage and join God's mission as we pray our way forward. 
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Bishop Héctor's video invitation

Prayer Pilgrimage Invitation from United Methodists of Upper NY on Vimeo.


How to Pray

You may wonder what to say or how to say it.  While there is no “set” way to pray, there are some ways that might help you get started.  You might start by getting into a comfortable position where you won’t be interrupted for some amount of time.  Some people find that soft music playing or pictures of places that are relaxing or bring good feelings or perhaps a lighted candle can help you focus.  Others prefer silence.   Try to be in a setting that will not distract you while you pray.  For some, it is helpful to take some deep breaths and focus the mind on God. 

Thinking of what to say can be intimidating.  Thankfully God cares more about you spending time with God than how you say your prayers.  You might try a Scripture or poem or some short devotion to begin.  Jesus gives us guidelines to help us form our prayers beginning with four principles before we pray. 
 
Jesus' Four Prayer Principles

  • PRAY REGULARLY – make a regular time for prayer. Put it in your calendar if you need to. Set an alarm on your phone to help you remember. There is no “perfect” amount of time to spend, one minute to one hour, whatever works best for you!
  • PRAY PRIVATELY - Jesus warns us to pray in private so as not to boast or brag about our time spent with God in prayer. God wants our undivided attention in prayer. 
  • PRAY SINCERELY - the most satisfying prayer is the prayer that comes from your heart. While God knows what is in our heart, it is good for us to share the intimate details of our hearts with God. Be as honest as you can.
  • PRAY SPECIFICALLY – St. Ignatius tells us to ask God for our deepest desires. The more specific we can be the better.
 
Jesus' Pattern for Prayer

  • ADORATION - Give God praise and honor for who he is as Lord over all. 
  • CONFESSION - Honestly deal with the sin in your prayer life. 
  • THANKSGIVING - Verbalize what you're grateful for in your life and in the world around you. 
  • SUPPLICATION - Pray for the needs of others and yourself.
These are not the only ways to pray, but they can be a good place to start.  Let the Spirit guide you as you seek to share your innermost being with the God who loves each one of us just as we are.
 
We have provided some further resources for your use.  You can find them by entering our Virtual Prayer Room.
 
We are praying for you that you will be blessed by your time with God.  Please feel free submit your prayer requests or contact us if we can be of further help.
 
May the God whose love surpasses all understanding bless you now and forever.  Amen.
Picture"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10


​Praying

It doesn't have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot or a few 
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch
 
a few words together and don't try
to make them elaborate, this isn't
a contest but the doorway
 
into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.
 
~Mary Oliver, Thirst:  Poems by Mary Oliver