Praying in the Chat Room
Praying in the chat room is a real privilege and we want to maximize ministry opportunities as they arise. Our primary purpose in the chat ministry is to share the Gospel with as many people as possible and provide an atmosphere that leads to discipleship and prayer. Prayer may happen in open chat where one can invite the chat participants to pray together or during the scheduled prayer times.
How do we discern where a person is at spiritually? How do we handle a situation where a person shares a need, asks for prayer and we are not sure of their spiritual background?
- First affirm them in their request for prayer then ask them the question, "Where are you in your spiritual journey?", "How do you think God fits in your situation?" or "Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus?" These kinds of questions often open the door to share Christ with the person who is struggling.
- If you are able to share the message of salvation, take the initiative to ask them if they would like to pray a simple prayer to invite Christ into their lives.
- If they decide to begin a life with Jesus, walk them through the prayer of salvation, thank the Lord and then pray for their need.
Leading with sensitivity
If a person is hesitant or refuses to receive prayer,you still have an opportunity to pray silently in your own heart for their spiritual journey as well as the challenge that they are facing. Our job as chat moderators is to lead with grace, not force, to allow the Holy Spirit to work in hearts. In situations where a person declines an offer for prayer you may choose to do the following
- You may use this as an opportunity to share why you believe in prayer and the hope that a relationship with Jesus brings.
- If a person persists on refusing prayer or hearing a testimony then honor their decision and continue to encourage them with love and gentleness.
- If there are chatters in the room that you know are Christians, you may private chat them and ask them to be in prayer for the situation.
- Continue leading the conversation with love and graciousness. Our role as moderators and hosts are to be grace givers and extend Christ’s love at all times.
What if they want to receive Jesus?
If God has readied a heart to receive Jesus, then share the message of salvation with boldness and clarity. Here are some tips in transitioning to and sharing the Gospel.
- Respect and understand other people’s views, avoid coming across as self righteous….practice grace not debate.
- Avoid try to sell religion, allow the Holy Spirit to open hearts.
- Remember that God works in each heart differently, allow others to share their spiritual journey.
- Use spiritual language that people can easily relate to
- Use words that talk of a relationship with Christ rather than rules or religion.
- Use your sense of humor to add to the comfort level of the conversation.
- Avoid criticizing other religions and users
- Present the Gospel …and leave the results to God.
"Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you." Matthew 28: 19, 20
The chat ministry offers great opportunities to minister to those who are hurting, give them hope, share salvation through Jesus and then pray with them. It can all happen within minutes in the chat room!
8 Responses to “Praying in the Chat Room”
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April 4th, 2008 at 8:06 am
[...] Tip: Maximize Ministry in the Chat Room Opening the door for [...]
April 4th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Praying for people in chat is such a blessing! And the more you do it, the easier it becomes. Also,sometimes you can have a ‘Popcorn Praise time’ but suggesting that each chatter just praise God for an attribute…..it’s a great way to focus on God and not our problems.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
This sounds like it would be helpful.
April 5th, 2008 at 5:34 am
Thanks so much Doris for the guide you just sent. I like it a lot.
I think this is where i can find myself more involved. Moderating a prayer time with focus in mind and can be suggested to chatters will be a great help and encouragement for everyone.
Everyone needs prayer and its the believing prayers that can move mountains in our struggles, pains and problems in life.
Praise the LORD.
April 7th, 2008 at 1:47 am
i love prayer a lot, i believe in the power of prayer. when you pray for people, you are indirectly praying for yourself and this add blessings to your life. i love to be part of this.
April 7th, 2008 at 8:05 am
And we are glad you are a part of this too Temitope…and Rhorsman and April too!
We are thrilled that we now have a place where you can talk back to us about the articles that we are sending out in the Connecting Online newsletters.
Keep those comments coming!
April 10th, 2008 at 2:41 am
i want you people to agree with me in prayer that the new prayer group i’m starting will be a success. His name alone will be glorified in this group and He should walk with us with power as of old. Mathew 18:19 says if two of us shall agree as touching anything on earth, it shall be done by our Father in heaven.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Hi there Temitope,
Please feel free to send in a prayer request for this new prayer group by going to this link and sending it in:
http://thelife.com/interactive/share.html
I do pray that God will amaze you as you meet together in prayer!