September 2026

As we explore the gift of prayer through the voices of God’s people across the LCMS Northern Illinois District. You will read what is on the hearts of fellow believers—and you also hear from others who share how prayer shapes the life of their congregations, strengthens faith, and connects God’s people to one another and to His promises.

For Jana Crandall of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Belvidere, prayer is more than a ministry—it is a way of life, grounded in God’s Word.

As a member of the congregation’s Prayer Team and leader of a LifeLight Bible study, Jana sees prayer woven throughout the life of Immanuel. The very presence of a Prayer Team, she says, reflects how much the congregation values prayer.

Prayer Team members are available after every worship service for those who would like someone to pray with them confidentially. Beyond the sanctuary, prayer is also incorporated into the congregation’s property through a prayer walk. Posts along the walk feature Scripture passages centered around a particular theme, with the Scriptures typically changed three or four times each year.

Over time, those themes have encouraged people to pray and reflect on thankfulness, the names of God, the fruits of the Spirit, the persecuted church, and questions answered through Scripture. The current prayer walk focuses on praying for the country.

For Jana, that connection between Scripture and prayer is especially important.

“There is a Scripture for every situation in life,” she said. “Praying His Word helps me want to study and know His Word. So, prayer and God’s Word are connected in my life.”

That understanding has shaped her personally. Rather than seeing prayer and Bible study as separate parts of the Christian life, Jana has learned how one continually leads her back to the other. Knowing God’s Word gives language and direction to prayer, while prayer creates a desire to return to Scripture and know His promises more deeply.

Prayer also surrounds Immanuel as the congregation looks toward the future. The congregation is currently conducting a ministry evaluation, and members are praying for the strategic planning team as it talks with each ministry and works through the process. Their pastors and staff are regularly lifted up in prayer as well, along with specific ministry opportunities, including Vacation Bible School.

In the midst of those prayers, Jana has also seen tangible reminders of God’s provision. She points to staff positions being filled and spiritual growth within the congregation as examples of prayers that have been answered.

But the prayers of Immanuel extend beyond the needs of one congregation.

Asked what she would encourage every reader to pray for, Jana pointed directly to Scripture: that all people would be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, as expressed in 1 Timothy 2:4, and that the God of hope would fill His people with joy and peace in believing so that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, they may abound in hope, as expressed in Romans 15:13.

It is a fitting reflection of the way Jana approaches prayer—returning again and again to God’s Word.

She also points to Scripture’s description of the church as a house of prayer and its assurance that the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Ultimately, prayer is not simply about bringing needs before God. For Jana, it is part of a life centered on Christ.

“Prayer draws us closer to God and helps us keep our eyes looking to Jesus,” she said, “the founder and perfecter of our faith.”