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.
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