Thousands of people, from all walks of life come to the Minnesota State Fair every year. Crossroads Prayer Chapel (CPC) has the unique opportunity to offer those attending a healthy place to find comfort in prayer for their own needs and the needs of others. It is vital the people who take part in public Prayer Ministry have their own vital relationship with Jesus, be trained to interact well with the public, connected well to CPC Leadership, and follow the practices of CPC. We are given a wonderful honor when others ask for prayer and our goal is to create a healthy and safe environment as is possible, for both you and those you pray for.

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CPC desires to do all we can to promote an emotionally and spiritually safe environment for prayer. These guidelines are designed to support that environment for those who are praying and those receiving prayer. To ensure that goal, only those who agree to these Guidelines, have the qualifications, and go through yearly training will be released to participate in the Prayer Team.

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“And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.” 1 John 5:14-15

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Purpose of Prayer Ministry

To be available to minister to people who come to the Chapel with needs, concerns, or questions about the Christian faith and would like to receive prayer. By being open and responsive to the working of the Holy Spirit, we pray that God’s love, guidance and healing power would be released on their behalf changing lives for His glory.

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Qualifications for Prayer Ministry Members

• Members have a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ by maintaining their personal devotional prayer times and committed, consistent membership in their local church

• Members are recommended by the Leadership at their local church

• Each Member is authorized by and accountable to the Chapel Director, Board, and Prayer Coordinators of CPC

• Members are aware of and agree to adhere to these Guidelines

• Members are available to pray during the shift they sign up for, getting there early enough to relieve the current Prayer Teams

• Members are identified by a nametag or T-shirt provided by CPC

• Members will attend a mandatory training meeting regardless of years of service

• Members may be asked to step down if Leadership of CPC determine it necessary, or guidelines have not been adhered to

 

What Prayer Ministry Members Can Expect from CPC

• Prayer support by CPC Leadership

• Access to Leadership for guidance, support, and encouragement

• Training

• CPC understands personal circumstances change and Members may wish or need to step down from the Prayer Ministry

 

Process for Praying with People at CPC

• Praying in teams of two (exception would be if you are praying for family member or friend) but never two men praying for a woman or two women praying for a man. It is best that Prayer Teams consist of one male and female

• If you don’t know the person you are praying with, introduce yourselves and ask what they would like prayer for

• Ask permission to touch their shoulder. With permission, lightly rest your hand on their shoulder and do not move your hand around

• Speak in a normal tone of voice. Refrain from using ‘churchy’ language

• Start by thanking God for the person and their desire for God’s intervention in their circumstance

• Pray for their request with what comes to mind. Expect the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers

• Do not push, pull, blow on someone, or rub your hand as it rests on their shoulder

• While you may be aware of practical advice that could appear helpful in this situation, do not give counseling or advice. Trust the Holy Spirit to do His work

• Do not give any directive words of prophecy or expose anyone with word of knowledge. Should you be made aware of an area of sin or need in their life, pray the Godly attribute for them. For example, a word of knowledge they have a drug addiction. Ask the Lord to heal those wounded places within their heart that are looking for comfort. The impressions you have received may be issues that the person is unaware of or they might be buried, hidden, or forgotten

 

Receiving Jesus as their Lord and Savior

• When someone desires to become a Christian, praise the Lord! We will be using ‘The Salvation Poem’ to facilitate this prayer. Cards will be available at training and the Minnesota State Fair

• When someone comes curious to know more about being saved, Prayer Ministry is not the time to go into teaching about salvation. We can pray but ask their permission to share their name and contact information with a local church who can assist them with their questions. Get their information to Leadership who will ensure a follow up plan

 

Confidentiality

• Privacy is respected but confidentiality cannot be guaranteed

  • Should someone ask that their request be heard in confidentiality, assure them we will do all we can to protect their privacy, but should a matter arise that needs care beyond our training, we will get Leadership involved. If this satisfies their concern, pray with them. If they are looking for a guarantee of confidentiality, you are unable to give them this. With this in mind, ask if they would like to continue in prayer

• Those participating in the Chapel Prayer Ministry are mandatory reporters

  • Should someone voluntarily admit to abusing a child or vulnerable adult as outlined by the State of Minnesota, we are morally bound to get them the assistance they need. Excuse yourself and involve your Leader. We want to be people of integrity and there are times, as we have already mentioned, when confidentiality is not in the best interests of the person receiving prayer

• There may be other times where you feel guidance from or the involvement of CPC Leadership would be helpful. On these occasions, obtain consent of the person to bring someone else into the prayer

 

“Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16