As Lakewood Methodist Church celebrates 50 years of ministry, the church is inviting people across Houston and beyond into a season of intentional daily prayer through a new initiative titled “In Jesus’ Name.”
Centered around a newly launched online Prayer Portal, the initiative provides daily Scripture readings, guided prayers, thanksgiving reflections, and intercessory resources designed to help individuals and families build a lifestyle centered around Jesus Christ.
The launch comes during a nationally historic year as communities across the country prepare to mark America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, a milestone widely recognized as the “Semiquincentennial.”
“At Lakewood Methodist Church, we believe there has never been a more important time for the Church to pray,” said John Stephenson, Senior Pastor of Lakewood Methodist Church. “As we celebrate 50 years of God’s faithfulness at Lakewood and our nation reflects on 250 years of history, freedom, sacrifice, and hope, we want to call people back to the foundation that matters most: dependence on Jesus Christ.”
Participants are encouraged to spend 15 to 30 minutes each day engaging with the Prayer Portal alongside the Lakewood Methodist Church family.
The Prayer Initiative reflects the church’s mission of “people guiding people into a lifestyle centered around Jesus” while reinforcing the four rhythms that shape life at Lakewood Methodist Church:
Worship Weekly Join a Group Learn Continuously Serve Others Often
Calls to Worship from Scripture Daily Thanksgiving reflections Guided Bible readings Monthly Prayers of Intercession Spirit-led prayer prompts The Lord’s Prayer
Resources refresh regularly, creating a daily rhythm of worship, reflection, gratitude, and prayer rooted in biblical truth and historic Christian practice.
“Our prayer is not simply for another church program or another moment online,” Stephenson said. “We are praying for spiritual renewal in our homes, our churches, our city, and our nation. Prayer has always been central to awakening, healing, repentance, and unity. We believe God still moves when His people humble themselves and seek Him.”
As part of the Global Methodist Church, Lakewood Methodist Church affirms the authority of Scripture, salvation through Jesus Christ, and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. The church’s Statement of Faith emphasizes biblical discipleship, Christ-centered living, and serving others both locally and globally.
Featured passages within the Prayer Portal include Scripture from Psalm 113, Lamentations 3, Matthew 22, and Matthew 6, alongside guided prayers asking God to renew the Church, strengthen families, bring peace to communities, and lead believers to shine the light of Christ throughout the world.
Stephenson says the initiative was intentionally designed to be approachable for both longtime Christians and those newer to prayer or faith.
“You don’t need perfect words to pray,” he added. “You simply need a willing heart. It doesn’t matter if someone has walked with Jesus for decades or is seeking Him for the very first time; we want this Prayer Portal to help people slow down, hear God’s voice through Scripture, and reconnect with what truly matters.”
The “In Jesus’ Name” Prayer Initiative begins on June 1 and is available through the Lakewood Methodist Church website at www.lakewoodmethodist.org/daily-prayer-portal/.
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