In the summer of 1999, 10 men of First Baptist Church attended John Maxwell's Lay Ministry '99 Conference. The day of fellowship and the knowledge they gained was surely a blessing. However, God had a greater blessing in store. To a man, the Holy Spirit worked a burden of prayer in their hearts, and the Sunday morning following the conference they met together in the Pastor's office to pray over him before the morning preaching service. God blessed that prayer meeting, and continues to bless the ministry today. 

While the Partners in Prayer Ministry has grown to include over 50 men, the true growth has been spiritual. First Baptist does not merely talk about God, or talk of God. First Baptist talks to God. Simply put, prayer is talking to God. Recognizing our absolute need to talk to God, and His desire that we speak to Him, Partners in Prayer is key in the prayer life of First Baptist. 

On Sunday mornings, certain of the Partners in Prayer arrive early for the sole purpose of prayer. They pray through and over each classroom and auditorium before the day's activity begins. They pray for guidance through the Holy Spirit for each pastor, teacher, student, and brother and sister in Christ who will assemble themselves together to worship and praise our Holy and Righteous God. Later, prior to the preaching service, just as they have done since inception of the ministry, all Prayer Partners meet with the pastor, and guest speakers or missionaries who may be participating in the service, and pray over them. 

During the preaching service, at least one team of two men adjourns to a prayer closet adjacent to the main auditorium, spending their time in faithful prayer. They pray through the scripture being preached in the service. They pray for those who have assembled to hear God's Word, whether they are members or visitors. Additionally, they offer intercessory prayer by praying over written prayer requests, which include previously submitted requests, and those asked during the day's Sunday School hour. 

When the invitation is extended, Partners in Prayer stand at the ready to pray over and with all who come forward. It may be a born again believer who needs to lay their burden at the feet of Jesus, or simply to offer prayer of praise and thanksgiving. It may be one who comes seeking God's forgiveness and Salvation through the shed blood of Jesus. Partners in Prayer support them at the altar with prayer. In addition to the prayer activity during Sunday and mid-week services, Partners in Prayer are dedicated to pray each day for not only their own spiritual growth, but that of the pastor, deacons, teachers, and other Church leaders. 

Another facet and responsibility of the Partners in Prayer is to teach others the scriptural basis and principle of faithful prayer. To that end, a number of the men, assisted by the pastor, facilitate meetings and retreats for just that purpose. God's Word clearly indicates there is a need to instruct others how to pray, even as Jesus needed to teach His disciples. 

Partners in Prayer does not set goals, but rather depends on the Holy Spirit's leading in all things. We thank God that more men are being led into Partners in Prayer Ministry. We also believe there is a need for Husband/Wife Prayer Teams, and we pray the Holy Spirit will lead and guide us in that area. In all and above all, Partners in Prayer thanks our Holy and Sovereign God for allowing us to serve Him. We especially thank Him for allowing us to serve Him through this ministry. Thanks be to God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.