Comments on: 6 Ways to Upgrade Group Prayer

By: Roger Carr

Roger Carr — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 10:05:23 +0000

In reply to Nancy Wallace. Thanks Nancy for sharing about group prayers said in silence, along with listening to God and reflection that can also take place in the silence. I have been a part of this kind of group prayer, but not for the length of time your group has worked up to. I am excited for you and your group for the positive changes you are experiencing. I hope other groups will use your group's example and include this silent and reflective prayer time in their gatherings as well.

By: Nancy Wallace

Nancy Wallace — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 07:52:27 +0000

I think that listening to God is one essential aspect of prayer. Sometimes in small group prayer there can be pressure for prayers to be voiced or for all to pray aloud. I’ve found that a structure that includes silence can be a real help, although it is also true that some people find silence really difficult and this needs to be acknowledged. In silence we’re confronted with what’s going on inside as well as what God may be saying. Reflective silence after a Bible reading to allow time for the Word to speak to the heart before anyone says anything about it can be life-changing and group-changing. I belong to a small (Anglican) group that has an agreed 35 minutes of silence at each meeting. (We started with 5 minutes and have gradually increased this by mutual agreement.) We start the silence with a spoken prayer and lighting a candle. A gentle alarm sound on someone’s smartphone signals the end, after which we may share aloud if we wish, or not. I accept this may not be for everyone.

By: Roger Carr

Roger Carr — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 18:08:50 +0000

In reply to Jenny. Jenny - Thanks for sharing your experience. It appears we had the same initial reaction to simultaneous praying.I enjoyed your blog article about racism and the need for prayer. I am asking myself some new questions because of it.

By: Roger Carr

Roger Carr — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 17:49:53 +0000

In reply to Fred. Fred - Be sure to let me know which ones work the best for your small group.

By: Jenny

Jenny — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 14:27:37 +0000

These are all great ideas, Roger. I think praying aloud at the same time might feel a little chaotic, on the other hand it reminds me of some of the prayer times we had on a mission trip to Mexico last year. It was powerful to experience another culture’s prayer style.

By: Fred

Fred — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 11:47:42 +0000

I see a couple of ideas that I can use for my group Roger… 🙂
Thank you!!