Send us out with confidence in your word, That we may give ourselves to your service,Īnd live this day in love to one another and to you Loving God, we thank you for hearing our prayers,Īnd encouraging us in our meeting together.īy whose power we are created and by whose love we are redeemed: These and other forms of blessing can provide a satisfying indication that the gathering has ended, even though the fellowship and ministry of believers continues informally in various ways. Many New Testament letters end with some form of praise to God and commendation of believers to the care and guidance of God. Moving with reverence means moving not too quickly or slowly, and not stiffly, but with ease and regard for what you are doing.īy following these simple suggestions, you can involve yourself effectively and wholeheartedly in a prayer service so that others will follow.A church service needs to have a definite conclusion, perhaps highlighting the implications of what has been taught and experienced, and praying for faithfulness in the week that lies ahead. Speaking in this way will help to involve the participants. As you speak, try not to bury your head in the text look at the assembly as much as possible. Proclamation is more than merely reading the text and less than a dramatic performance. Throughout the prayer service speak clearly and slowly. Not everyone is comfortable with spontaneous prayer, but it is a form of prayer that needs to be taught and fostered. There’s nothing worse than interrupting a prayer to give directions such as “the left side takes this part, and the right side takes that part!” Be creative.Ĭonsider using appropriate visuals (video, DVD, slides, PowerPoint, and so on). Be sure to include silence during the prayer service, perhaps after a prayer or a reading. If possible, rehearse with those chosen to read. Select Readers and assign roles ahead of time. Envision the prayer, feel the flow, get a sense of space, time, sound, silence, and so on. Prepare.Īs when planning a session, be sure of your focus, theme, and goal. Know your assembly.īe aware of the age level of your assembly and their faith development as well as their level of maturity. Pay special attention to the time of the liturgical year (Advent, Lent, feasts, solemnities) when selecting themes and prayers. These prayers are rich and evocative and therefore, powerful. Verbal Elementsįollow and borrow from the prayer of the Church (Roman Missal, Liturgy of the Hours): introductory rites, psalm responses, antiphons, penitential acts, collects, intercessions, and blessings. Nonverbal ElementsĬonsider the elements of movement and gesture (procession, bowing, venerating the Bible, outstretching hands, laying on hands, blessing) and of symbols (water, oil) as well as of silence.
Be sure to involve the assembly as a whole in the prayer, not just those taking the Leader or Reader roles. Assembly Participationĭon’t think of what just you are doing during prayer. Consider candles (when appropriate), dimmed lights, enthroned Bible, cross, and objects from nature such as flowers, rocks, and shells. Introduce elements into the environment to create a greater awareness of the sacred. They are essential ingredients in prayer services. Singing and instrumental music are not just frosting on the cake. Prayer services should always involve the Word of God so that participants can listen to God speaking to them. Pray to the Holy Spirit to guide and inspire you. Prayer leaders do not perform, but offer themselves as a vehicle of the Spirit for those at prayer. Here are some things to consider when leading such services. As a catechist, you will be called upon to lead prayer services from time to time. In addition, a prayer service may include nonverbal expressions such as gesture and ritual. Shared prayer-petitions, traditional prayers, litanies, composed prayers, and so onĬonclusion-closing prayer, blessing, song The Word of God-Scripture reading, response, silence
Gathering/introduction-song, greeting, opening prayer In general, prayer services follow a basic pattern. A prayer service is a form of communal prayer that follows a set order with designated parts (Leader, Reader, All). Communal prayer is when two or more people gather together to raise their minds and hearts to God.
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