“If you are having trouble, you should pray. And
if you are feeling good, you should sing praises.” (James 5:13, CEV)
There are many ways to pray in a small group.
Some choose to take turns, following in order around a circle. Some may
designate a beginning person and an ending person with anyone else praying as
they desire. Another method is called conversational prayer, and can include both
talking and singing. One way to do this is to have the leader or facilitator or
a scribe write down requests as people mention them. The leader designates
someone to offer the final prayer signaling the end of the prayer time. As the
group bows in prayer, the leader starts praying a short prayer for one of the
requests mentioned. Others add short prayers for that particular request
claiming promises and praying for any aspect that comes to mind. When it seems right
another person starts a short prayer for another request. Anyone can introduce
the
next topic as prayer for the first seems to wind
down. People pray randomly as things come to mind. Some may pray several times;
some not at all. Pray as the Holy Spirit brings things to mind. Feel free to
sing songs during the prayer. Everyone will join the singing. Continue praying
until all the items have been covered. The person designated to close will offer
a short final prayer.
There are even materials available for small
groups which explore different ways to pray, such as using art, writing poetry,
or lighting candles to represent the brightness of God’s presence, or to
represent that we are holding someone in God’s light.
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