Feel called to be a prayer meeting organizer but don't really know how to manage it? A prayer meeting is a place where people gather and unite in prayer as a group. You can have a prayer meeting that will benefit many people by doing a little preparation and following these steps.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Planning a Prayer Meeting
Step 1. Determine the right time
At certain times, people cannot come to the prayer meeting because they are very busy. Of course, it will be difficult to get people to join the prayer meeting if this activity is held in the morning or Friday night. It would be better if this activity is held on a Sunday afternoon or in the evening (other than on weekends) so that the time is more suitable for most people.
- Consider that the prayer meeting schedule does not coincide with the regular worship schedule so that it is more suitable for most people.
- The prayer meeting usually lasts an hour, but the duration can be adjusted as desired.
Step 2. Involve church leaders
Even if you want to host a prayer meeting outside the church, you'll still need to include a pastor. Even if someone else can lead the prayer meeting, you should involve local church leaders so that those present will appreciate the legitimacy of the prayer meeting they are participating in.
Step 3. Determine the place
Prayer meetings are usually held in a prayer room or other room in the church. You can also hold small prayer meetings in other places such as at home. Whatever the location, make sure the place is ready to accommodate a fellowship and the area is clean to make it suitable as a place to pray.
Step 4. Announce the schedule of this prayer meeting to the entire church congregation
Make announcements during worship or send letters and e-mails (email.) Try to get as many people as possible to come to support the prayers in this fellowship.
Step 5. Invite people directly to make them feel more called to come
Sometimes there are people who hesitate to join or try new things. Talk to people individually while inviting them to come to prayer meetings. Usually these people just need a little encouragement to attend.
Step 6. Determine the procedure for implementation
You can pray together as a whole group, but if the group is large, you can divide it into smaller prayer groups. Or there is another option that is to ask certain people to pray for a particular theme or ask two to three people to pray for a particular theme, and two to three other people to pray for a different theme.
You can also use a combined ordinance such as praying together at first and then forming several groups so the congregation present can pray for themselves individually in smaller groups
Step 7. Prepare the prayers first
Planning will show the difference between a lively and effective prayer meeting and a boring and ineffective one. People will need guidelines, categories, examples, and prayer ordinances. You need to try to keep the congregation wanting to pray by preparing their prayers in advance.
Step 8. Choose the themes to be prayed for
Choose certain themes to pray for during this event. The theme chosen must be relevant to the person praying and have a clear goal because this will keep them motivated to keep coming to fellowship and praying together.
Part 2 of 3: Holding a Prayer Fellowship
Step 1. Start with silence for 1-5 minutes
Starting to pray silently for a moment will make a person connect with God through himself. Direct the congregation so that at this time the congregation can be fully focused on God.
Another thing you can do is to sing two or three worship songs before the prayer begins
Step 2. Give brief instructions on how to pray
Some instructions on how to pray given to the congregation at the beginning of the event will be very helpful because these instructions can be a guide and provide a sense of comfort during the activity. This method also makes them willing to open up and participate more actively.
Step 3. Have a short discussion about prayers and supplications
Sometimes it will be nice if the congregation is given the opportunity to convey a specific purpose or topic to pray together. But try not to have this discussion last more than five minutes because a prayer meeting will very easily turn into a discussion about prayer instead of taking the time to really pray.
Step 4. Read a short excerpt from the scriptures
Reading scripture quotes is not a must but it can help the congregation to be more prepared spiritually. Choose a short quote; this reading should only take about 5 minutes and certainly no more than 10 minutes.
Step 5. Pray
The main purpose of prayer meeting is to pray. If congregants are given the opportunity to offer their individual prayers or read lengthy scriptures, this is no longer a prayer meeting. Try to make sure that during this event the focus is on prayer.
Step 6. Do variations
Create different prayer groups using different ways of praying. Hold prayer meetings in other forms, for example by praying through praise, changing groups by forming small and large groups, praying guided, or praying by expressing regret and making requests.
Step 7. Give the congregation a chance to pray briefly
Let the congregation pray as they wish and not require everyone to pray in order in a circle. This method will take time, besides the congregation will only be busy composing their prayers when their turn is near and not fully involved in the prayers.
Step 8. Pray only on certain topics
Choose a theme and pray with this theme to completion. You can pray with another theme if this theme is finished praying. Try to keep the prayers focused on certain topics so that the congregation can also focus more on praying and strengthen their prayers.
Step 9. Keep the prayer flowing
Praying for an hour seems difficult but if you divide it into short prayers such as silent prayer, guided prayer, prayer with readings, prayer in large and small groups, you can bring it into shorter sessions. Keep the prayers flowing and as time goes on, praying for an hour will no longer seem long.
Also, don't be afraid of silence. Let the congregation enjoy their time by living the prayer and connecting with each other's feelings
Step 10. End the prayer meeting in a way that is useful and can close the event well
A prayer meeting should end by reading scriptures on the relevant topic.
Part 3 of 3: Doing Your Best in Prayer Fellowship
Step 1. Be patient
For some people, spontaneous prayer can be difficult at first and it will be awkward if you have to pray for 30-60 minutes. Keep practicing. Develop your ability to lead prayer and your prayer group will grow together stronger.
Step 2. Value spontaneity
You need to let the congregation feel comfortable as they pray to make this fellowship more flexible and fruitful. Create an open environment for everyone who comes so that they can pray with all their heart and soul, and encourage them to participate.
Step 3. Involve children if conditions allow
Children can be invited to join the prayer meeting although their attention is usually easily distracted. There are children who like to pray aloud and participate fully during the event thus giving strength to their prayers as children.
Step 4. Be grateful
After God has answered your prayers, give thanks and say thank you. Express these feelings in a group as part of an event in your prayer meeting.
Step 5. Have a celebration after the prayer meeting is over
Make time to gather after the event is over. Prepare snacks or dinners such as pizza and ice cream that will unite your prayer group and make the children feel very happy.
Tips
- If there is an accident, you can convey a prayer request first. Under different circumstances, it is best to say the last prayer of supplication because the congregation may pray for their wishes during the event.
- If you want to include others as part of this group, prioritize prayer meetings. The main purpose of the prayer meeting should not be neglected, to pray.
