Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1997 - Rparchives.org

78 MINUTES OF THE 1997 SYNOD OF THE
8. That Synod elect an at-large member of the HMB.
9. That Keith Magill be nominated for the at-large member of the HMB.
10. That Synod rise and give praise to God for allowing us to be involved in His
great work.
Dean Filson directed Synod in the afternoon prayer time focussing on
the praise of God who heals, and petitions for our worship ministry and
for people new to our churches. Synod sang Psalm 100C to conclude the
prayer time.
Synod took recess at 4:20 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 1997, 7:00 P.M.
Synod reconvened at 7:00 p.m. being led in prayer by Keith Black
The roll was passed.
The minutes were read and approved as read.
The reports of the exploratory works as directed during the report of
the Home Mission Board were given. Jerry O'Neill reported on South
Hills, Pittsburgh; Phil Pockras on Cincinatti; Andrew Stringer on Russell,
Ontario; Ralph Joseph, on Atlanta; Brian Coombs on North Syracuse;
Brian Schwertley on Lansing, Michigan; and Godfrey Franklin on Triangle
Fellowship in the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina area.
Following the singing of Psalm 48B, Ed Blackwood, Rich Johnston and
Dean Filson directed Synod in the prayer time to which the evening has
been devoted as follows:
REBUILDING BROKEN WALLS - THEMES OF PRAYER FROM NEHEMIAH
I. Prayer of confession and prayer for rebuilding - Nehemiah 1:4ff
a. Mourning, fasting
b. Silent, personal prayer
c. Psalm 32C
2. Quick focused prayers ("arrow prayers") - Nehemiah 2:4
a. Built on foundation of lengthy personal prayer
b. Small groups - sentence prayers for specific needs
c. Psalm 4B
3. Imprecatory prayers against God's enemies - Nehemiah 4:4-5
a. Imprecatory prayers
i. Not for personal vengeance
ii. Against enemies of God's work
iii. OT includes commands to love enemies
iv. NT includes imprecations
v. Includes desire for redemption for God's enemies
b. Small group prayer
c. Psalm 83C