The Praying Church Movement

Comment

Comment by Phil Miglioratti on September 1, 2018 at 11:02am

Good post, Doug!

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How do you lead a prayer meeting?

Your church-wide prayer meeting is a public commitment, a congregational appeal – “We must be a house of prayer for the nations.” It's ideal to host a weekly prayer gathering. Less than monthly, and you are not taking prayer seriously. If you simply start a prayer meeting on the ideological ruins of old prayer paradigms, you may fail. Think about your prayer gatherings on a broad continuum. Consider the ‘content’ of your gatherings, the style of leadership you will provide, and the degree to which and how the people will participate. Here is a simple outline for a prayer meeting with scriptural references:

1. Focus on God, singing and possibly by leading a processional (2 Chron. 5:1-13);
2. Bless the people at the appearance of God’s glory, connecting the blessing to the Presence of God (2 Chron. 5:13-6:11);
3. Pray a prayer of dedication or consecration (2 Chron. 6:12-42);
4. Lead the people in their response to God; shepherd an appropriate reverent action (2 Chron. 7:1-4); here is the opportunity for a deliberate and intentional act that seeks to honor God and show Him reverence.
5. Bless the people and attend the altar of sacrifice (1 Kings 8:55-64).

To simplify, watch the movement:

1. The people focus on God.
2. He reveals Himself; His Presence is manifest and there is a blessing in His Presence.
3. Holy space has been created, the temple appropriately sanctified and dedicated. Preparation anticipates a meeting with God. In the Old Testament, it was a placethat was consecrated; now it is a people.
4. The people respond. This is unscripted. The Spirit is now directing hearts.
5. There is a blessing followed by additional time at the altar.

So how do you lead a prayer meeting? Focus on God. Wait. When His Presence comes, leaders create a holy space and time for Him.

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This is an excerpt from the Praying Church Made Simple, a new resource for congregational prayer ministries. The purpose ofThe Praying Church Made Simple is to establish clear beginning points for revitalizing the congregational prayer effort; and to set forth a simple approach to prayer mobilization for the smaller congregation.