St. Matthews Episcopal Church

Episcopal Church in Snellville, GA

 “Open for me the gates of righteousness; *
I will enter them; I will offer thanks to the Lord..” Psalm 119:19
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Stephen Ministry Update, April 2019

April 18, 2019

This month’s continuing education with our partners at First United Methodist Lawrenceville provided a further look at the book titled “Why?” by Adam Hamilton.
Our discussion centered around Chapter 2, “Why Do My Prayers Go Unanswered?”

Thoughts & Observations:

  • Jesus said, “Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.” Jesus was speaking hyperbolically (overstatement or exaggeration to make a point).  If we took these words literally, human beings don’t have to work, strive, research or put forth any effort for anything. It would automatically be given to you.  This is not what Jesus meant when he spoke about prayer.
  • God does not always answer our prayers, even when we offer them in faith at times of real and critical need.  While God may not answer our prayers as we offer them, God does not abandon us.  He will always be with us through our trials.
  • God does not suspend the laws of nature that he created, but rather works through people to help people. This is the very basis for Stephen Ministry!
  • God will not suspend another’s free will in response to our prayers.
  • Intercessory prayer – prayer that asks for God’s intervention and help. Perhaps it is better to ask for God’s comfort and sustaining presence as we walk through our trials and tribulations.
  • Why pray? Praying opens a relationship with God.  Jesus prayed and so should we.



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At St. Matthew’s, our MISSION is to continue the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, by serving the greater community through loving its children, caring for the unfortunate and witnessing to the healing power of God’s love.

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