Rev. Roy Caudill, Glacial Lakes District Superintendent and Rev. Keith Nelson, Sakakawea District Superintendent spent three days driving hundreds of miles and praying for the churches and communities in the districts they serve. 

Caudill and Nelson read the book "The Circle Maker" by Mark Batterson. Batterson talks about "circling" things with prayer in the book. Roy and Keith decided to "circle" the districts they serve in prayer by driving around the perimeter of the Glacial Lakes and Sakakawea Districts.

The journey

The journey included stopping in the United Methodist Churches along the way to spend time in prayer.

Caudill’s journey was in a car.  “I'm not real sure if there will be anyone there when I get to the various churches and that is OK.  I am just going to let God guide the way,” commented Rev. Caudill.

Nelson travelled by motorcycle in full biker gear.  Nelson shared his journey on Facebook and Twitter.  Keith shared this posting on Facebook, “In Williston (North Dakota), uust prayed with Pastor Mark as he prepares to lead worship. Jim Konsor rode with me to Williston. He and I are going to circle the church praying. In our ‘biker gear’ someone will probably think we're casing the place.”

Unleashing Prayer Movement

Bishop Bruce R. Ough, Dakotas – Minnesota Area, has called for the Unleashing New Life Prayer Movement. 

“I am seeking thousands of United Methodists across the Area to join me in praying every day for the Holy Spirit to break through, renew, and revive our churches and to use us boldly, without limits, delays, or excuses to read and make new disciples and change the world,” stated Ough.

Bishop Ough has written, The Prayer for Unleashing New Life and encourages all to prayer it daily. 

Caudill and Nelson intentionally chose to model the prayer movement by the prayer journey throughout their districts.  “This is one way to prayer and get folks excited about Bishop Ough’s Unleashing Prayer Movement,” said Caudill. 

Challenges along the way

There were a few challenges along the road as the two travelled.

The weather turned out to be a bit challenging. Temperatures ranged from 90-95 degrees, with a heat index of well over 100, on the days that Caudill and Nelson travelled. 

Nelson ran into roads that were a little rough.  Nelson noted, “God, yesterday I asked, ‘Where are we going?’ You know I didn't like some of the roads I traveled yesterday. What's up with that? Are you saying that's part of the prayer journey sometimes??!!”

The journey of prayer can be challenging but must never end.  “Join me! Pray with me! Become part of the prayer movement,” Bishop Ough.