St. Mary’s Upper Room Prayer Group
Meeting Thursdays at 7:00pm in classroom 1
For information contact
Greg and Kimberly Gutierrez – 355-3651 or 683-6134 - kimandgreg@nts-online.net
Kevin and Kathy Raef – 655-2358
St. Mary’s Upper Room Prayer Group’s meeting consists of a group of people from varying backgrounds who meet regularly (usually weekly) in an atmosphere of love and support for one another in an effort to grow in the knowledge and love of God, and to show this love in their attitude to their neighbor. Each prayer meeting is open to anyone who wants to come. Those who attend St. Mary’s Upper Room meetings are predominantly Catholic, but the meeting is open to anyone.
If you find yourself wanting to learn more about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, or are in need of prayer, please stop by.
This prayer meeting has been a place where many, many, people have found a new dimension to their spiritual lives, and have discovered the love of God in a more profound way.
St Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 14:26:
When you assemble, one has a hymn, another some instruction to give, still another revelation to share, one speaks in a tongue, another interprets. Let all things be done to build up the community.
The meeting takes place in a relaxed atmosphere where joy and the love of God is emphasized, and where everyone is welcomed. God is praised with enthusiasm. Praise of God is characteristic of Catholic Charismatic Renewal, in line with the Catholic tradition in which praise permeates the liturgy, song and prayer.
St. Mary’s Upper Room Prayer Group encourages people to incorporate praise of God into their whole lives, as in praising God we go out of ourselves and gaze at the goodness of God. Praise focuses on the utter goodness of God, and celebrates his goodness in our lives. “Rejoice in the Lord always,” said Paul (Phil 4:4). We believe our joy should be expressed often in praise.
Some parts of the prayer meeting are quiet. Silence forms an important part of the worship periods, and people are encouraged to listen to what the Lord is saying to them. Some will sense that God has a message of encouragement, exhortation, or consolation for the group, and will feel moved to speak this out. This is known as the gift of prophecy.
Many Gifts of the Holy Spirit are use, and encouraged. You will often hear people speaking, praying and singing in “Tongues”, a very real and important Gift of the Holy Spirit. Laying on hands and praying for individuals is also a normal part of a prayer meeting.
The Word of God in Scripture is read and listened to, and regular teaching on Scripture and aspects of the Christian life instructs and helps people to grow in their spiritual life. Each prayer meeting generally has a teaching. In addition to these times, there are times of prayer ministry, and times of intercession. People are encouraged to share what God has done in their lives as a most important way of building the faith of others. There is much variety in the prayer meeting.