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Suggestions for Public Prayer-Leaders
“When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves have forgiven everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’” Luke 11:2-4. While some call this “the Lord’s Prayer,” it is probably more accurately referred to as “the Model Prayer,” since it was given to His disciples when they entreated Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples,” Luke 11:1 (see John 17:1-26 for one of Jesus’ personal prayers). If you’re thinking that it doesn’t sound quite right, or at least that it is not exactly the one you were taught as a child, it’s because this version is slightly different, and shorter, than the more popular version recorded in Matthew 6:9-13. But what would you think, honestly, if a man (cf. 1Timothy 2:8) stood up to lead the “opening prayer” at your place of worship on a Sunday morning, and thoughtfully and earnestly prayed either Luke’s or Matthew’s version of this prayer? Would you judge him harshly because he didn’t use “many words” comprised of holy-sounding phrases and “meaningless repetition,” Matthew 6:7?
Leading prayer can be a daunting proposition- especially for someone who’s not accustomed to public speaking in the first place, and recognizes the awesome privilege and responsibility of petitioning the God of Universe on behalf of others in the second place! It’s no wonder that some retreat to phrases they’ve heard used by others (but may not even understand themselves), or string together a recitation of personal “go to” requests. Since understanding and preparation are often keys to success, here are a few simple suggestions that will hopefully help us to be more effective prayer leaders.
Remember To Whom You’re Speaking. In all prayers, we would do well to keep in mind that we’re not talking to our neighbor across the backyard fence. But especially in public prayers, be aware that you are addressing and petitioning the Almighty God. To help us understand this point, read/review Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the Temple in 1Kings 8:22-54, and note specifically how he addressed the Father: “O Lord, the God of Israel, there no God like Thee in heaven above or on earth beneath, who art keeping covenant and showing lovingkindness to Thy servants who walk before Thee with all their heart,” v.23; “… Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain Thee…” v.27; and, “Yet have regard to the prayer of Thy servant and to his supplication, O Lord my God….” v.28. Likewise, note how Paul recognized and honored the Father, “from whom every family on earth derives its name...” and “to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think… to Him be the glory in the church and in Jesus Christ to all generations forever and ever,” Ephesians 3:14-15,20-21. And certainly, “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name” (Matthew 6:9) evokes reverence, respect, adoration, and praise to our great God! Keep in mind to whom you’re speaking, and use an address and subsequent language that honors Him as the God of the Universe, remembering that is only through His kindness that we have been granted the privilege to “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need,” Hebrews 4:16.
Remember For Whom You’re Speaking. When leading prayer in the assembly, don’t forget that you’re not only leading but also speaking for those participating. Therefore, take into consideration (preferably before you begin) the feelings and emotions of the congregation. Are they mournful over the loss of a fellow member? Are they jubilant due to the recent addition of a new member? Are they thankful for good news and answered prayers regarding a member? Are they joyfully preparing to praise and worship? Are they contemplative of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross? Consider the emotions of those to be led, and endeavor to convey those feelings to God. Also, Paul spoke of his “heart’s desire and prayer to God” for Israel in Romans 10:1. Take a moment to gauge the “heart’s desire” of those for whom you’re speaking. What are the petitions and entreaties on their minds? While there certainly is an aspect in which we are leading the minds of the congregates in prayer, we also should be expressing their thoughts and desires to the Father. Be mindful of the emotions and desires of those involved with you in the prayer- don’t just pray in their presence, involve them by praying with their emotions and for their desires. You can express your emotions and desires when you “go into your inner room, and when you have shut the door, pray to your Father who is in secret…” (cf. Matthew 6:6), but prayer in the assembly is supposed to be their prayer.
Remember For What Purpose You’re Speaking. Perhaps the greatest single hindrance to effecting prayer leading is the tendency to try to pray for everything. Fight the urge! Do not “suppose that they will be heard for their many words,” Matthew 6:7. While thoughtful and sincere prayers can be “long”- because there is much for which to be thankful, our needs are many and great, and our great God deserves much more praise than we can give, it is also true that prayers in the assembly are better when they are specific to the occasion. For instance, while we’re beseeching God’s blessings on and giving thanks for the emblems of the Lord’s Supper isn’t the best time to petition Him to heal the sick, or bless our nation, and protect the military, cf. Matthew 26:26-28. Think about the occasion of the prayer, and purposes that are appropriate for it. Is it the “opening” prayer? Is it the “closing” prayer? Is it the before “the sermon” or “collection” prayer? Try to lead prayers that are purposefully appropriate to the specific occasion, and leave other items to occasions that are more appropriate for them.
And finally, please, please avoid attempts to teach or preach to the congregation while leading prayers. There are bible classes and sermons specifically for those purposes. As a prayer-leader, you’re supposed to be talking to God for the congregation, not talking for God to the congregation! If you want to teach, sign-up to lead a bible class. If you want to preach, ask the elders if they’ll give you an opportunity to do so. But please don’t hijack what is supposed to be the expression of the collective desires of the congregation to reprove, rebuke, or exhort some member(s) of it.
Private prayer is a personal thing. But leading public prayer is different. In private prayer, we speak only for ourselves regarding whatever fills our hearts. But public prayer requires us to speak for others in the expression of their heart’s desires. And since there are numerous public prayers offered in conjunction with specific acts of worship in our services, let’s try to be cognizant of the purposes for each of them when we lead. Surely the effectiveness of prayer isn’t determined by righteousness alone- Elijah was also earnest, specific, and purposeful in his prayer, James 5:16-18!
- Suggestions_for_Public_Prayer_Leaders.pdf (91.25 kB)
