Given prayer is; in my estimation a key element in the function of a church it seems in most congregations it is like Elijah being fed in the wilderness. I am not really sure why; but most of the time prayers seem very sterile and brief before a church service begins; I an't remember a time when even five minutes were devoted to it even in a time of distress; grief or conviction of a Pastor even over the subject he is preaching on.
As to a set weekly prayer meeting; sadly one of my previous churches had nothing to that affect. The Pastor had concerns about "inappropriate" requests in such surroundings; although he encouraged families to pray when together. That was a thorn in my side; as I saw many that loved the Lord there seemingly being squelched; I moved to another city so the Lord removed me from that situation but it was sad to see in my opinion.
As to those who do have some weekly event; it is often in my church what seems like a machine gun voicing of long lists of names (many of whom are shut ins that I haven't yet met-Lord willing I can arrange to visit some of these individuals in the future). The participation is pretty decent (about 8 to 10 in a church of 60 or so) which I would say is better than the participation in most churches. I have been bugging people about the women's prayer which for now is a no-go after some time with monthly prayers. My past experience seems to show me that women often are more passionate and tenacious in such undertakings; men could learn much from them the way I see it.
There is nothing WRONG with telling someone who needs prayer for what; at least it is some detail. We often hear about someone having an illness (especially with many elderly in my church); what we don't seem to hear as much is prayer for family members who are unsaved; and rarely for individuals who admit struggling with sin. Gossip MUST be avoided; of course when one shares in confidence. More to come...
Given prayer is; in my estimation a key element in the function of a church it seems in most congregations it is like Elijah being fed in the wilderness. I am not really sure why; but most of the time prayers seem very sterile and brief before a church service begins; I an't remember a time when even five minutes were devoted to it even in a time of distress; grief or conviction of a Pastor even over the subject he is preaching on.
As to a set weekly prayer meeting; sadly one of my previous churches had nothing to that affect. The Pastor had concerns about "inappropriate" requests in such surroundings; although he encouraged families to pray when together. That was a thorn in my side; as I saw many that loved the Lord there seemingly being squelched; I moved to another city so the Lord removed me from that situation but it was sad to see in my opinion.
As to those who do have some weekly event; it is often in my church what seems like a machine gun voicing of long lists of names (many of whom are shut ins that I haven't yet met-Lord willing I can arrange to visit some of these individuals in the future). The participation is pretty decent (about 8 to 10 in a church of 60 or so) which I would say is better than the participation in most churches. I have been bugging people about the women's prayer which for now is a no-go after some time with monthly prayers. My past experience seems to show me that women often are more passionate and tenacious in such undertakings; men could learn much from them the way I see it.
There is nothing WRONG with telling someone who needs prayer for what; at least it is some detail. We often hear about someone having an illness (especially with many elderly in my church); what we don't seem to hear as much is prayer for family members who are unsaved; and rarely for individuals who admit struggling with sin. Gossip MUST be avoided; of course when one shares in confidence. More to come...
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