Encouraging Corporate Prayer
| Church prayer meetings often need
nurture and encouragement if they are not to lose their direction. There can be a danger
that those outside "the prayer group" feel let off the hook - left to
themselves, the need to pray for the church never gets urgent enough as a group is already
meeting to do this. A number of different approaches may be needed... Prayer groups need not meet in perpetuity. Groups which are formed to pray for a special event or campaign, or for a particular area can meet for a season, and then disband. For example, a group which meets to pray for a particular activity may meet beforehand, may pray during the event itself, may give thanks afterwards and then disband. Try varying the format of prayer meetings - involving praise, silence, praying in twos, or fours, or all together as a church, praying on a theme, listening, ministering to those with needs etc etc. The wonderful reality of God's character is that He wants to communicate with us in many different ways on many different topics. All too often, it's we who restrict the conversation! |
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Consider providing a variety of times and
locations of prayer groups - some people prefer meeting in larger groups, others with
three or four. Some prefer evening prayer meetings, others are unable to get out of the
house in the evenings. What about a prayer breakfast?? Prayerwalking gives another slant on praying for a neighbourhood. This can take a range of approaches from individuals praying as they walk around the parish, to structured prayer campaigns for particular streets and homes. Prayerwalking can also give us insights on our towns and cities as the Spirit provides insight as we walk the streets. Such insight can have a powerful effect on our mission and ministry strategies. Finally, don't forget the children! They can enjoy praying, particularly if their prayer meetings are lively and have enough direction to keep them focused. Keeping their attention will require keeping things moving, and starting with praise songs, having some visual aids, dividing up into threes, etc etc will help. |
Ideas on Encouraging Individuals in Prayer
This is the end of the Encouraging Prayer module. Please would you take a moment to give us some feedback on it. Thank You.
