Nothing tends more to cement the hearts of Christians than praying together. Never do they love one another so well as when they witness the outpouring of each other’s hearts in prayer. (Charles Finney)
Every Sunday at 9:30am I meet with a handful of men for prayer in my study. We want to make sure everyone knows that this meeting is open to all, male or female, young or old, mature believer or novice–and everyone in between. So I thought a brief description of what takes place might help some feel more comfortable joining us.
First, the coffee drinkers get coffee from the kitchen and catch up around the coffee pots. Then, all join together in my study, which is through the church office, just off the lobby. There are often as few as three and as many as seven participants. We sit in a rough circle of chairs and chat, catching up from not having seen each other in a week or so.
Around 9:30 or 9:35am, we shut the door. Sometimes we transition from chatting to praying with a short scripture reading. Other times we transition naturally from our conversation. Those who feel so inclined share testimonies of praise or inform the group of concerns for prayer. After discussing these things we begin to pray.
The prayer time is meant to be informal. Anyone who feels inclined to pray aloud may do so when there is a pause between others praying. The men who have been meeting with me for so many years have become accustomed to praying in order, one after the other. This does not have to be the case. There is plenty of room for silent pray-ers in this prayer meeting.
When we’re done praying, we say ‘Amen’ and usually find ourselves wanting to linger together. It’s peaceful to be in a quiet room of prayer. But Sunday school calls, so we adjourn.
This meeting is as nourishing as it is simple. It is uniquely restful and binds our hearts together over time. I share this in hope that more might join us.
If you have any questions, please let me know. Otherwise, please consider praying with us this Sunday at 9:30am.
Pastor Matt
