Why is prayer such a key focus for the Haere Mai project?
Because without God, we can’t do it. It is God who is calling people to Himself, and He invites us to join Him in His mission. We need to pray that He will be working in people’s hearts and that we will respond to the opportunities He gives us. Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Luke 10:2). He calls us to pray first.
Why do you think having a prayer partner is important during this season?
Left to ourselves, we know how easily distracted we become. Having a prayer partner helps keep us focused. There’s something beautiful about people praying together—it strengthens us, keeps us accountable, and reminds us that we are not alone in this. Jesus said, “Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20).
Fasting is often a big part of Lent. What encouragement would you give to those considering how to fast this year?
Historically, fasting has always been part of Lent. Growing up, I knew it was Lent because the food portions on the table significantly reduced! At first, I wasn’t sure of the benefits, but fasting is biblical—Jesus expects that we will fast (Matthew 6:16).
Fasting is a form of devotion, where we give something up to focus on Jesus. When I talk about fasting, I mean food specifically—not just cutting out gadgets or social media. Fasting removes distractions, helps us refocus, and reminds us that God matters more than our appetites. If you have medical conditions, check with your doctor first, but otherwise, I encourage everyone to consider fasting in some way.
Every Sunday during Lent, there will be a corporate prayer gathering on Zoom. What is the vision behind this, and what can people expect?
It will be a one-hour prayer gathering, bringing people together across the Diocese to pray. This is a way of reminding ourselves that we are in this together, and it allows us to share encouragements about what God is doing. The vision is that we will be informed, encouraged, and united in prayer—praying for our communities and asking God to move in people’s lives.
How does this initiative connect with the wider vision of the Haere Mai project?
There are so many things we can pray for, but during Lent, I am specifically calling the Diocese to pray for people to come to know Jesus. I know that faith is a journey, but my prayer is that the people we know will take a step closer to Jesus over these 40 days.
I also hope that as we pray, God will stir conversations and open people’s hearts to faith. Prayer creates a posture of expectation—it helps us become more spiritually aware of what God is doing around us.
If someone is thinking about joining but isn’t sure where to start, what’s the first step they can take today?
We want to know who wants to be part of this 40-day prayer journey. You can join at any time, but here’s what we’re inviting people to do:
If you’re ready to commit to this Lenten prayer journey, click here to sign up: https://forms.gle/CSnXDrKWM4Q7Css37
This is an incredible opportunity to seek God together, pray for our communities, and expect Him to move in powerful ways. Will you join us?
📅 Launch: Tuesday, 4 March, 8 PM
📅 Weekly: Sundays during Lent, 8 PM
Join here: https://anglicanchurch-nz.zoom.us/j/94247586363
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
Why is prayer such a key focus for the Haere Mai project?
Because without God, we can’t do it. It is God who is calling people to Himself, and He invites us to join Him in His mission. We need to pray that He will be working in people’s hearts and that we will respond to the opportunities He gives us. Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Luke 10:2). He calls us to pray first.
Why do you think having a prayer partner is important during this season?
Left to ourselves, we know how easily distracted we become. Having a prayer partner helps keep us focused. There’s something beautiful about people praying together—it strengthens us, keeps us accountable, and reminds us that we are not alone in this. Jesus said, “Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20).
Fasting is often a big part of Lent. What encouragement would you give to those considering how to fast this year?
Historically, fasting has always been part of Lent. Growing up, I knew it was Lent because the food portions on the table significantly reduced! At first, I wasn’t sure of the benefits, but fasting is biblical—Jesus expects that we will fast (Matthew 6:16).
Fasting is a form of devotion, where we give something up to focus on Jesus. When I talk about fasting, I mean food specifically—not just cutting out gadgets or social media. Fasting removes distractions, helps us refocus, and reminds us that God matters more than our appetites. If you have medical conditions, check with your doctor first, but otherwise, I encourage everyone to consider fasting in some way.
Every Sunday during Lent, there will be a corporate prayer gathering on Zoom. What is the vision behind this, and what can people expect?
It will be a one-hour prayer gathering, bringing people together across the Diocese to pray. This is a way of reminding ourselves that we are in this together, and it allows us to share encouragements about what God is doing. The vision is that we will be informed, encouraged, and united in prayer—praying for our communities and asking God to move in people’s lives.
How does this initiative connect with the wider vision of the Haere Mai project?
There are so many things we can pray for, but during Lent, I am specifically calling the Diocese to pray for people to come to know Jesus. I know that faith is a journey, but my prayer is that the people we know will take a step closer to Jesus over these 40 days.
I also hope that as we pray, God will stir conversations and open people’s hearts to faith. Prayer creates a posture of expectation—it helps us become more spiritually aware of what God is doing around us.
If someone is thinking about joining but isn’t sure where to start, what’s the first step they can take today?
We want to know who wants to be part of this 40-day prayer journey. You can join at any time, but here’s what we’re inviting people to do:
If you’re ready to commit to this Lenten prayer journey, click here to sign up: https://forms.gle/CSnXDrKWM4Q7Css37
This is an incredible opportunity to seek God together, pray for our communities, and expect Him to move in powerful ways. Will you join us?
📅 Launch: Tuesday, 4 March, 8 PM
📅 Weekly: Sundays during Lent, 8 PM
Join here: https://anglicanchurch-nz.zoom.us/j/94247586363
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
