There are different ways you can participate in Praying for Neighbours as a church. So each church can choose what best suits its own context!
1. Inform and distribute
The simplest way of participation is by drawing attention to the prayer week within the congregation during the Sunday morning service and handing out prayer books at the church exit.
Other options include announcing the week of prayer during announcements (preferably well in advance), via the newsletter, the church bulletin or the church app.
A promo video will also be available to be shown during the service.
2. Organising prayer meeting
Engagement in the week of prayer can be deepened by organising a prayer meeting as a congregation. This can take place physically or online. During this meeting, for example, one of the prayers from the prayer booklet can be prayed together. See also the resource Praying together.
3. Sunday service around the theme
The Sunday on which the week of prayer begins can be dedicated to prayer and engagement with neighbours. Consider a sermon on this theme and/or a prayer moment during the service, for example praying for neighbours in small groups or plenary. See also the resource Sermon outline.
4. Organising Neighbours' Day
As a church, you can choose to organise your own neighbourhood day in and around the church building. Also, church members who live near each other can jointly organise something in their own neighbourhood.
5. Closure and testimonies
The Sunday after the week of prayer can be used to look back. Church members can share experiences or testimonies about what they experienced during the week. Within circles, too, they can discuss how they want to remain prayerfully involved with their neighbours.
6. Connection to annual theme or vision
Praying for Neighbours can also be linked to an existing annual theme or connected to the congregation's mission and vision. For example, "We believe it is important to be prayerfully involved in our city and neighbourhood. Participating in Praying for Neighbours is one of the ways we are shaping that."
7. Week of prayer later in the year
As a church, you may also find that the week of prayer at the end of September (following National Neighbours' Day) does not fit well into your calendar. Of course, it is always possible to place the week later in the year.