What would you think if a young man in your assembly made the suggestion that there be a second prayer meeting weekly? Let’s be honest—most churches have a significantly lower percentage of people attending the prayer meeting than any other meeting. It would seem from the turn-out, and some of the comments that can be overheard, that there are many who have not grasped the value and importance of this special and vital opportunity.
A solution to the problem
May I suggest that the very language we use to describe the time is an indicator of the problem—and a key to the solution. We talk of “attending a meeting” or “going to meeting.” Such wording puts the emphasis on the act of gathering in one place. What if we were to say—and mean—that we are “meeting together with God”? Is that how it is perceived in your assembly?
If we were to take hold of that concept, it could solve many of the concerns people have. On Earth there is nothing better than a committed group of God’s children, led by the Spirit, gathering to spend time with their Father in the name of their Redeemer. If each individual present is keen to spend time communing with the Lord, then we are all blessed; and surely it would become something every genuine believer in the assembly would learn to cherish.
Barometric pressure
It has been said that the prayer meeting is “the barometer” of the spiritual life of the church. Barometers measure the pressure of the climate. When there is a greater mass of atmospheric activity in the region, the barometer reading is higher than when there isn’t much going on.
While living in this world, there are many pressures on each believer, most significantly in matters of the heart, the home, and the relationships within the assembly and workplace (cf. Col. 3:12-4:1). Add to these the demands of each day: tasks to perform, the need for proper stewardship of all we have, the challenges of health (including aging), involuntary and voluntary things that don’t edify us. A church that looks realistically at the individuals in the assembly will sense the pressure and will want to seek the Lord’s strength and wisdom (Ps. 27:14; Jas. 1:5).
God’s agenda for our lives here as believers is, however, much bigger than our individual lives and circumstances. We are to strive together in seeing the gospel spread and disciples built up, in our towns and around the world (Mt. 28:18-19). In the process there will be much pressure from the responsibilities we bear and the opposition we encounter. But we have the assurance of the Lord that He is with us until the end (Mt. 28:20). A church that understands this will be moved to pray together, recognizing the Lord in their midst.
Examples from the Bible
What prayers occupied the time of the first century church? Consider the following sampling of passages that make it clear that we need to have a bigger picture than we often do when we pray together:
• Acts 12 – Christians prayed through the night for Peter
• Acts 21:5 – the entire families of the saints in Tyre had an intimate prayer time for Paul and his companions
• Phm. 22 – the encouragement Paul had because the church in Philemon’s house was praying for him
• Jn. 17 – the prayer meeting the Lord Jesus led on the outskirts of Jerusalem seeking the unity and effectiveness of all believers
• Heb. 13:3 – praying for persecuted believers is implied
• Rom. 12; Col. 1:9-12; etc. – spiritual standards for our character as those who presume to be called Christians
Do we sense the emphasis on godliness, service, perseverance, fellowship, unity, etc? If we have a clear picture of these weightier things, it will show itself in our prayer meetings. Can we honestly say we care about the lives and witness of fellow believers if we won’t meet for prayer when it is possible to do so?
Redeeming the time
Let us remember that it is not just a “prayer meeting”; rather, we are meeting to pray. Are we each showing up with a heart, mind, and will to talk with God? In the spirit of Psalm 133:1 and Philippians 2:1-5, we all—men, women, and children—should come with a oneness of purpose and desire, and with a commitment to spend the whole time fervently praying. If we know our Bibles, our fellow saints, and the needs in other parts of the world, we will have no problem filling a whole hour in communion with God. Even if there is a shortage of specific or appropriate prayer requests prayed for audibly, the Spirit is still stirring our hearts and wanting us to experience the truth of Psalm 16: “In Your presence is fullness of joy.”
As for audible prayer, here are some practical suggestions for the brothers who take the lead in prayer for the assembly. We rise to speak with God, not indirectly preach to the assembly; however, how we participate should bless all who listen:
Speak up – We are speaking on behalf of the gathered group. God hears us even without a word uttered, but all the saints gathered need to hear us in order to be able to say “Amen” (1 Cor. 14:16).
Be careful – Some personal details are not appropriate for broadcasting to the whole assembly. On the other hand, failing to be specific in requesting prayer can turn prayers into vague shopping lists. Saying, “God bless so-and-so” gives God nothing specific with which to work. Specific requests allow God to answer yes or no, to show us more clearly what He is doing.
Be understandable – Our prayer should have a clear enough purpose and focus that others can follow it and know if they agree or disagree. By the way, the congregation that clearly says “Amen” provides encouragement to the brother, stating that they agree with him. Silence suggests disagreement or apathy—or sleep.
Be genuine – We are children of God approaching our heavenly Father on behalf of our brothers and sisters in the Lord, so speak from the heart. Others can sense the genuineness.
Be fervent – Lifeless prayers lead to lifeless prayer meetings. Passionate prayers lead to vibrant prayer meetings. People in war zones pray much more passionately than those who live in relative peace. Christians are at war!
Be reverent – Treating God as holy and awe-inspiring is the key, and it is an attitude reflected in our tone and in our choice of words, though there are no special words in the Bible that in themselves imply reverence.
Seek God’s will and glory – James 4:1-3 is a good warning. Are we praying for something that God would approve of? Our prayers should be consistent with His priorities (e.g. Eph. 2:8-10; Rom. 8:28-29) rather than our conveniences. We are certainly invited by our Father to present our requests (Php. 4:6), but is it evident when we are leading in prayer that we are seeking God’s will and glory in each matter, even if we might find the answer hard to accept?
Be considerate – It is an assembly prayer time, not a private one. So we ought to share the time with other brothers by keeping our public portion to a reasonable length. Likewise, leave room for others to have some time to process what has been said by another (silence can be precious for meditation and reflection about each matter). Also remember that the sisters are voluntarily silent, in obedience to the plan of God for the church. The content and manner of our audible prayer should be such that these dear ladies aren’t distracted or frustrated.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:25).
Believers with this desire will be eager to meet to pray over matters of salvation, sanctification, witnessing, and whatever is in keeping with the Lord’s heart and mind for the world and for each specific assembly. If “the prayer of one righteous man availeth much” (Jas. 5:16), what about that of a whole righteous assembly?