The Mennonite, Inc., invites your original submissions for our March 2020 print magazine issue and corresponding online content focusing on The mystery and power of prayer.

Description of the theme:

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 26 this year) and leads up to Good Friday (April 10) and Easter (April 12). In the Western Christian tradition, this is a period of reflection on Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, leading to his death on the cross and resurrection. Just before his betrayal and arrest, Jesus prays on the Mount of Olives: “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). During Lent, especially for Western Christians, there is significant emphasis on prayer as a spiritual practice. But prayer is not just reserved for Christians during Lent; it’s one of the hallmarks of Christianity itself. Prayer takes many forms but can generally be understood as communication with God. Because prayer connects us with God, prayer is both transcendent and powerful. In this issue, we invite stories that explore the mystery and power of prayer.

Submissions may consider one of the following prompts/questions, among others:

• How have you experienced the mystery and power of prayer in your life? How has prayer been an important spiritual practice in your life, and what has it taught you and how has it nourished or sustained you? Tell us your story and be sure to include the voices of all involved, with their permission.
• What does prayer look like for you? How has the way you pray and your understanding of what prayer is changed for you? Who or what has influenced your understanding of prayer? What draws you to prayer?
• Are you a part of a formal or informal prayer group that has been influential for you and your community? What are some ways you experience prayer in community? Tell us your story and be sure to include the voices of all involved, with their permission.
• How have you seen prayer impact children and youth in your family, church or community? In what way can the church provide more opportunities for children to experience the mystery and power of prayer? What ways do you and your community practice intergenerational prayer?
• What is your theology of prayer? How can Anabaptist-Mennonite churches deepen their practices, rituals and understanding of the mystery and power of prayer?

Submissions are due to Editor@TheMennonite.org no later than Jan. 31.

We welcome articles—personal stories, biblical or theological reflections, stories about your congregation, and more (800-1,200 words)—as well as original photography, videos and artwork on the theme. Please note we are committed to anti-oppression reviews as part of our editorial process. When developing your submission, please review our updated anti-oppression guidelines as well as our updated editorial guidelines.