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By Evelyn J. B. Brewster

The forecast predicted rain…not just spring rain…but torrential rains that carried flood watch warnings from the National Weather Service.

The members of The Prayer Ministry of Asbury United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C., were undaunted. Rain or shine, they were prepared to go forward with the 3^rd annual “Prayer on the Go,” their brand of participation in The National Day of Prayer.

“Prayer on the Go” began in 2012 as a means to connect the church with the changing and robust business and residential communities of downtown Washington.

At 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 1, the doors of the church were open, tables set out at both the K and 11^th Street entrances, members armed with literature, “I Prayed” stickers and hearts ready, were all in place. A neighborhood lady was waiting and exclaimed to Thelma M. Johnson, Coordinator of The Prayer Ministry, and “I’ve been waiting for you! I was here last year!”

As if on cue, the sun rose and produced the most brilliant and glorious sunshine and warm breezes than the members could have imagined. It was a sight to see grown women and men dancing about and kneeling in prayer to the Glory of God. Umbrellas and raincoats were put away. “Prayer on the Go” began.

It was a busy and fruitful day. Prayer Ministry team members made personal contact with nearly 300 individuals, received 102 prayer requests, prayed for 10 persons at Franklin Park (two blocks away), prayed for and gave out 50 free lunches to homeless neighbors in the 11^th Street Park, and distributed 284 “One Voice United in Prayer” guides.

There were highlights throughout the day, but the noon “Once Voice Prayer for the Nation” stood out. During the service, 35 persons joined the Prayer Ministry, lifting their voices with the millions of others praying the same prayer across the Nation at the same time. Members gave each participant a free set of prayer beads with instructions on how to use them. Friends from the Geriatric Day Center at Asbury attended and eagerly welcomed their prayer beads. One member remarked, “I used to have prayer beads, but when I had to move out of my house, they were lost.  I’m so glad to have some my new beads.”

The idea for giving the prayer beads at the service sprang from their spring prayer study. Senior Pastor, the Rev. Ianther M. Mills, suggested that the Prayer Ministry read the book “A Bead and a Prayer,” by Kristen E. Vincent. During the four-week study, members learned to use Protestant prayer beads. They were so inspired that they wanted to learn to make their own. Member Brenda Bland volunteered to teach them the craft.

Post-study, members continued to meet on Saturday mornings to learn the art of making prayer beads. Now, they are using them on a daily basis, in meditation, during Sunday Worship Service and individually throughout the day. In addition to the gift of prayer beads at The National Day of Prayer, members made beads and gave them to Mothers who asked for intercessory prayer during the altar call on Mother’s Day.

At the close of the day, young adult member, Ingrid Simmons, said, “Something good happens to my soul when I pray for others. I have prayed and been prayed for. It’s been a good day.”