What I Have Discovered
Praying Through the Directory -- Rev. Wilbert Van Dyk, Professor Emeritus, Calvin Theological Seminary
After spending several years in a congregation, visiting the families and teaching the children, I knew most of the people by name, occupation, and background. But in every congregation there are those who remain in the shadows and whose real needs remain unspoken.
One year I embarked on a program of prayer that would result in blessings for both the people and the pastor. At the beginning of the year I told the congregation that, during the course of the year, I was going to pray for each family and all the family members by name, one entry in the church directory a day. I would do this as part of my morning devotional activity. The day before a family or individual was scheduled on my prayer list I would call them to ask whether there was any particular need about which they wanted me to pray. I would ask about each member of the family, especially those who were away from home. Those who were not home the day I called were put on a "call later" list.
The congregation responded with appreciation. At no time did the person who answered the phone seem to resent the intrusion. Parents were especially pleased to tell me about their daughters and sons who were away from home in school, employment, or military. The calls also gave them opportunity to unload their burdens for a family member who appeared to be drifting away from the life of the church. Sometimes the calls exposed problems that needed follow-up or continuing prayer. Other times the calls identified reasons for gratitude.
My blessing was that the calls strengthened my relationship to the congregation. They made me more aware of the kaleidoscope of congregational concerns and joys. Some of the members observed that my sermons seemed to become more personal. And perhaps the greatest blessing for me was the fact that many assured me that they also prayed regularly for me.