Public prayer is a fine art.
Last week, I went to back to the church I grew up in. After a few songs an elder stood behind the podium and delivered unto us a unique hybrid of intercessory prayer and announcements. His prayer went as follows:
Lord, we pray now for the family of John Smith, who died on July 1 and whose funeral services will be held on July 3. Father, also be with the family of Jane Doe who left this life on July 2 and who will be laid to rest on July 5 at Rolling Hills Mortuary.
It went on like this for quite some time. Does God really need to know the date of the funeral or which hospital room someone was in? In his prayernouncement, this elder stopped just shy of telling God that in lieu of flowers the family would appreciate a donation to the Heart Association. If it were not so frustrating it would be laughable.
I said that public prayer is an art. It is an art of learning to speak to the Father and not to those around you. In college, a friend of mine helped me make this distinction. He was relating to me how difficult it was for him to pray with his girlfriend. He told me that he had to resist the temptation to talk to her when they prayed together. A light bulb went off in my head and I realized how often I fell into that trap as well. Prayer is such an awesome gift and we squander it by trying to find just the “right words” and just the “right phrases” in our prayers.
A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of hearing Tony Campolo speak. He told the story of an interview Dan Rather had with Mother Teresa. Dan asked her what she said to God when she prayed. Mother Teresa answered, “Nothing. I just listen.” Bewildered, Dan asked her, “Ok, well what does God say to you?” The old woman looked back at him and said, “Nothing. He just listens.”
Quit talking to the congregation.
wow…..that was something i needed to here
Very well-written and truthful rant.
When I am called to lead public prayer I find myself getting nervous about saying all the “right” things. I often think over what I am going to say in advance. I’m almost tempted to write down notes, (which leads to another discussion about written prayers,) in order to say everything I want to say. But then I feel like I’m performing rather than praying. I think prayer should be talking to God from your heart. So I end up just “winging it” and pray in a spontaneous fashion. However, many times, when I’m finished I am frustrated that I didn’t mention “this” or “that”. Why? Will God not attend to a need just because I didn’t pray for it publicly when called upon?
nearmo-
Thanks for you honesty. Just remember that our “inadequate” words will be made adequate through the Spirit.
This is interesting as well.
I have met someone, who in his beliefs and study has read the bible over 20 times and the new testament HUNDEREDS. Auctually written a book that is getting published on the teachings of Jesus.
He has quit praying in front of others, as the NT mentions the man praying in front of the crowd and the man beating his chest in the corner, asking for grace.
Just an interesting thought as well.
I was taught to BE SURE YOUR PRAYER IS NOT INTERNDED FOR YOUR GLORY OR TO SHOW YOUR INTELIGENCE. Show Humility in Prayer and honor God.
thank you for “prayernouncement”. like kratzer, i really needed to hear it and have been blessed by it. i also needed to be reminded that the spirit makes, not only my prayers and words adequate…but my life. i feel for myself and anyone else who sometimes fool ourselves into thinking we are what make us adequate.