Stephen Ministry

Prayer of a Stephen Minister
O God, what an awesome--and heavy--responsibility it is to be a Stephen Minister!

To be invited in by someone to share her life . . . to hear his deepest fears, her loneliness, his pain, confusion, hurts, disappointments . . . to be given a glimpse into the most vulnerable places of that person's soul! Sometimes, God, it seems too much.

What a mystery it is that by being present, by listening, by caring, we can foster healing and hope. O God, is this really possible?
We misunderstand
We jump to conclusions
We're impatient, judgmental, frustrated

We ask questions as if there were easy answers

Well, have you tried . . . ?
Have you thought about . . . ?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
How do you see this (action/relationship) moving you toward your goals?
Who do you think could help you?
What red flags do you see?
Even How’s that working for you?

"Fools rush in where angels fear to tread." Are we sometimes a "stumbling block" rather than a "stepping stone" to healing?

Yes, God, being a Stephen Minister is awesome--a heavy responsibility, a mystery.

It is also a privilege. A gift. A high calling.

And your loving presence is our hope.

Nothing is more wonderful than walking alongside someone for a while on her life's journey. Yes, she does share her problems--but also her dreams and joys.

We know we are on sacred ground.

We listen
We speak
We pray . . .
believing that you are in our listening and in our speaking. For only then can redemption take place. You are here, loving us--both of us--into newness of life, into resurrection, into new ways of living and loving. Your grace and love offer each of us new beginnings, over and over again. Thank you, God. Amen.
Carol Kepner
Stephen Minister
Christ United Methodist Church
Plano, Texas
PS. A Stephen Minister is waiting to listen, pray, and speak with you.  For more information, contact Louise Holtz, 248-889-3040; Lou Prine, 810-227-0535 or  Kathy Eklov, 248-887-1552