40-DAYS OF PRAYER APRIL 30 JUNE 8, 2014

INTERVIEWS WITH CITY LEADERS

ATTITUDE FOR OUR APPROACH: Basically, in everyday terms, we want to bless our community, and believe that intercessory prayer is a primary step in accomplishing that. As we pray for our community, needs, challenges, leaders, etc., we will naturally develop more interest in how things are going, and may well become part of the answer to our prayers. The Lord may have us put feet on our prayers to serve our community in specific ways. Volunteers are usually welcome by most communities. But our basic attitude that colors our approach is that of BLESSING OUR COMMUNITY. MAKING AN APPOINTMENT: Wed like to make an appointment with ____________ to see how the faith community can specifically bless this community. SUGGESTED OPENING PARAGRAPH TO A CITY LEADER: Mr. Mayor, Police Chief, Superintendent, etc., as part of the faith community here, we believe that prayer does make a difference, so much so that we already have been quietly praying for the needs of our community as we see them. However, we believe that from your perspective you can give us more accurate picture of what we should pray for. We believe that prayer does make a difference; but even if it doesnt we have raised up an army of our citizens who are very positive about our community, and who may also be the ones we can turn to for volunteer needs. So we hope you dont mind answering a few questions to help us better serve you in this capacity. This interview can take less than 30 minutes unless the official wants to elaborate more on specific issues. POSSIBLE ANSWERS IF ANY RESISTANCE OR DISCOMFORT IS EXPERIENCED: 1. We will never quote you without your permission. Were just gathering facts. 2. Since a number of other communities have experienced some positive results after the faith community has been praying, we want to be more proactive about this activity. We are also challenging the churches to a special 40-day period of prayer for our community. 3. We do not interpret this interview as specific endorsement of prayer. Its just our starting point for blessing our city. SPECIFIC QUESTIONS: 1. What positive aspects of our citys reputation would you like to continue? Negative aspects to change? What is the most disruptive issue in our community? 2. What are your top priorities as mayor, superintendent, chief, etc.? 3. What major constraints limit what you are able to do from your perspective? 4. What organizations are really making a difference in the city? 5. What are the key indicators that progress is being made in your area? 6. Can you think of anything else youd like for us to pray for? 7. Is there anything youd like for us to pray for you personally?

Document created by Steve Ulmer, Shoreline