THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Saturday, February 22, 1997           TAG: 9702210050
SECTION: DAILY BREAK             PAGE: E3   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY DIANE TENNANT, STAFF WRITER 
                                            LENGTH:   55 lines

ARTHUR WILL LEAD 4-DAY CONFERENCE TEACHING THE UNDERSTANDING OF GOD'S WORD IS FOCUS OF WRITER, TV SHOW HOST

KAY ARTHUR IS coming to Hampton Roads at the end of this month, the answer to many a prayer of her fans.

Arthur will lead a four-day conference at the Founders Inn and Conference Center, Thursday through March 2.

If you don't know what that means, you haven't read one of her 20 books, taken one of two dozen Bible study courses, seen or heard her on radio or television, or joined in one of the many local prayer study groups based on her writings.

One of her most famous books is ``Lord, Teach Me to Pray in 28 Days,'' which teaches individuals to customize the directions given in the Lord's Prayer. She writes directly to readers, addessing them as ``Beloved.''

``I'm told that a lot of local churches here use that particular Bible study,'' said June Hudgins, the conference producer. ``She has a unique way of bringing the word alive so people can understand it, to study the Bible and how it can apply to everyday life.''

The conference will include topics such as understanding God's word to women and practical applications of God's word. It includes 20 hours of teaching and ministry, personalized workshop tracks, praise and worship, two luncheons with Arthur and participation in a taping of ``The 700 Club.''

Arthur presents inductive study, meaning she examines the Bible, verse by verse. The book, ``Lord, Teach Me to Pray,'' goes sentence by sentence through the Lord's Prayer, studying the meaning of each phrase.

``Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship, and a relationship requires communication,'' Arthur writes. ``Therefore, prayer is essential because that is how we communicate with God.''

Arthur says that the Lord's Prayer should not be recited by rote, but should be regarded as a collection of sentences that suggest subjects for prayer. She categorizes it as worship of God, allegiance to God's sovereigncy, submission to God's will, asking for God's provision, confession and forgiveness of sins, watchfulness and deliverance and more worship.

Arthur's popularity crosses denominational lines, hinged on her ability to reach people, said Gail Motley, director of women's ministry at First Baptist Church of Norfolk.

``I think more people today are really concerned about understanding better how to pray,'' Motley said. ``Praying is something that you might grow up knowing that it's something you're supposed to do, but you never get the real joy of what it means until someone helps you understand how to do that.'' MEMO: Conference registration is $125 per person. For information, call

1-800-677-8117. ILLUSTRATION: Kay Arthur's book teaches readers to personally apply

the Lord's Prayer.

Kay Arthur