Prayer is an important part of our life together as brothers and sisters in Christ. We sat down to talk with Richard Blucher who’s been a driving force in our prayer ministry for some years now.
Q: Richard, can you start by telling us the story behind the Prayer Group?
A: Sure, it started in February 1997. Jim and Mabel Killmer wanted to start meeting for weekly prayer, and they approached me about leading it. I said yes, because I felt God wanted me to do this. At first we were just 3 or 4 persons meeting each week in the Pastor’s study. There were a few times when it was just me. But that didn’t matter, because the most important thing for me was to come to the ALC and pray.
Gradually, the group grew, and we began to have a structured Bible study in addition to prayer. We moved to the church library because we outgrew the Pastor’s office, and then to the Fireside Room, where we meet today. Now we average between 10 and 15 people each week. Of these, 13 or 14 different nations can be represented. It is truly inspiring to see brothers and sisters in Christ from so many different countries, cultures and church backgrounds come together for fellowship, Bible study and prayer. Many of those who come to the Prayer Group also serve in other ALC ministries, such as Sunday School, the church council, worship, outreach and fellowship.
Today, the Prayer Group is now led by a team consisting of myself, Sarvo Martin and Bjørn Radtke. Several years ago, together with Pastor Stewart we started the prayer teams that minister to people during the healing services on the third Sunday of each month, in connection with communion. We encourage all church members to come and join us at the Prayer Group. We believe that God has given us a vision, based on Isaiah 56: 7 “For my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations”.
Q: What is prayer?
A: Prayer is communication with the Living God, who loves us and yearns for our attention, our love and adoration.
Q: What is the purpose of the ALC Prayer Group?
A: To come together in the name of Jesus to pray for the needs of the congregation and the world around us. Also, to support one another through Christian fellowship and to study God’s word which equips us to do His work in our daily lives.
Q: What does a typical Prayer Group session look like?
A: We begin with some simple songs of praise and opening prayer. Then we have a Bible study or teaching that lasts about an hour. Then we use the prayer list to lift up the needs and concerns of our brothers and sisters in the church, family members, neighbors, colleagues at work, whoever has asked for prayer or for whom we feel a burden to pray. All prayer requests are treated confidentially, as well as any sharing done in the group of a personal nature. The meeting runs from 7 PM to 10 PM. People bring refreshments to share.
Q: Can you share any useful Bible verses on the “power of prayer”?
A: John 14: 12-14 is definitely one that comes to mind:
[Jesus said] “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” This is truly an amazing promise. It rests, of course, on our bringing our lives into alignment with Jesus’ will and purpose so that we seek His kingdom, not simply our own selfish desires.
I also use the promise in Psalm 50: 15 when I pray with people. “Call upon me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver you, and you will honor me”. Ps. 50:15 has been called “God’s telephone number”.
Q: Do you have any tips for growing ones prayer life?
A: First, find some time in the midst of the busy routine, and set it aside to spend with God. Start with just 5 or 10 minutes, but do it regularly. God will honor and bless whatever time you give to Him. Then see how you desire to spend time with Him will grow. Second, don’t worry about using special words or formulas when you pray. Talk to God as you would talk to your best friend. And don’t forget to listen also. Remember, prayer is two-way communication. Isaiah 30: 15 says. “In quietness and trust is your strength”.
Q: What is your favorite Bible verse?
A: It varies, depending on what is going on in my life. During the past year, I have found great inspiration in the Lord’s declaration of hope to His broken people in Jeremiah 29: 11-13: “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'”
Q: Can you recommend any books on prayer?
A: “Too Busy Not to Pray. Slowing Down to be with God.” , by Bill Hybels is a great book about prayer. It was our congregational study book in ALC several years ago. Another one is “The Prayer Saturated Church.”, by Cheryl Sacks. A good read that talks about transforming the church through prayer.
Name: Richard Blucher
Location: Have lived in Oslo for 33 years. I moved here after marrying Anne, who is Norwegian.
Nationality: USA
Favorite place or thing to do in Oslo: Take Anne to Hotel Bristol and have open-faced sandwiches (smørbrød) at Bibliotekbaren.
Read more about our Prayer Group here or talk with the Pastor or Richard next time you’re in church if you’d like to get the regular emails about our Prayer Group activities.