Hi Ray ,
Public praying, praying in a group, produces social pressure, even when we are not praying to be seen of men. We are aware of people listening and we may experience the same nervousness as when we are giving a speech; being in the presence of people can and quite often does, replace being in the presence of God.
When Jesus prayed he was simply talking to/with God, His Father. He did not use phrases he did not use in ordinary conversation. As I mentioned earlier "ready recollections," "beds of affliction," "praying for those for whom we have a duty to pray," the constant reference to Father," other expressions that are never heard in any other setting and repeated requests for the forgiveness of sins are just examples of needing to fill time.
We learn those phrases from hearing what others in public prayer have said and we repeat those words rather than learn to talk to God from our personal needs.
In the assembly prayer is led because it is time to pray. We have our main prayer that covers all points, thanksgiving praise, repentance, petition (especially for the sick or those on beds of affliction), for evangelism, missions, for the preacher, for the poor or those less fortunate that ourselves, for the church. We then have a closing prayer that many times repeats the main prayer.
Other than for acknowledging we are in God's presence why do we pray in our assembly? Think specifically…what are the activities our congregation is involved in or wants to be involved in that requires God's help?
Prayer group or groups could work as long as the individual prayers were specific, focused, limited and not repetitive, superfluous, redundant, wordy, excessive, or overabundant.
Intermission….
Regards,
John Jenkins
John Jenkins
865-803-8179 cell
Gatlinburg, TN
Email: jrjenki@yahoo.com
Email: jrjenki@yahoo.com
Kinetic Energy: Pass It On.
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