Prayer vigils are conducted and/or sponsored by Brotherhood chapters, by other parish groups, and by parishes as a whole for the purpose of launching a program or for holding up some specific important request to the Lord. Prayers might be offered for church unity, beginning of a year, blessing of a special function, or just for His continuing Grace. Vigils are usually held in the sanctuary or a chapel of the parish church. They generally extend for 24 hours (or less) during which time individuals or small groups come to pray on a pre-volunteered schedule. Parishioners could be scheduled to pray at home, especially at night.

NOTE: Always attempt to have two people at all times so there is help for an individual if needed.

A prayer vigil provides a way for a large number of people to participate at times of the day convenient for them. Most parishes doing these have a format available for participants which includes a number of prayers of praise, thanksgiving, petition and intercession. Attached is an example format of a vigil for church unity. FAITH ALIVE WEEK­ENDS are often introduced in this way, with careful planning and the scheduling of parishioners, male and female, young and old.

Jesus said, “Whenever two or three are gathered together in my Name, I will grant their requests.”

A committee of Brotherhood members, including other people if desired, consults with the parish rector to select a theme, date, time period and to agree on a format. The format is reproduced in as many copies as needed. Announcements are made in parish bulletins and newsletters at least a month in advance. A voluntary sign-up sheet is installed in a convenient place in the church for several Sundays in advance and publicized. Posters are also usually helpful. Phone calls may be needed to get all of the slots (usually 1/2 hour) filled

It is helpful to give or send to each person who “signs up” an advance copy of the format with practical instructions. Be sure to cover steps to be taken if the next person(s) does not show up on time. It may be helpful to provide a Litany Bench in a specific location, such as the chapel, choir area or a spot at the altar rail for the participant. A Bible, prayer book and sheet with other prayers should be available. A clock and a copy of the format and instructions should be in a handy spot.

Be sure the sanctuary is open, heated, and lighted as needed. During night hours, it may be welt to schedule two people at least for security reasons. If there are enough people available, two people scheduled would help assure someone being there. A notebook for inscribing comments and thanks should be placed conveniently.