When Leading A Public Prayer

    The Bible tells us that "the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much" (James 5:16); and this is good to take to heart whether we are praying privately or publicly. Today's short article, however, makes some suggestions for leading public prayers; and, thus, improve that part of our service to God.

    1) First of all, since the prayer is to be public, let's be sure we vocalize it loud enough so all present can hear. If, however, we have trouble raising our voice, then we should use a microphone, if available. For no one will be able to give a hearty "Amen" to a prayer that's not heard. Sometimes, this can be remedied by temporarily turning off loud devices. I can recall one place, twenty years ago, in which we would virtually always have to turn off one of the noisy window air-conditioners before prayer could be made; and that often made the difference.

    2) Going along with the first point, we need to not only be loud enough, but also strive to be clear in our wording that everyone may understand.

    3) Let's remember that since it is a "public" prayer, the one leading should use the word "we" instead of "I." For it's not just the one leading the prayer who might want to see Mr. Smith healed, but every member! So let's pray it that way! For in public prayer, the one leading is not praying alone; but, rather, voicing for the entire group, praise to God and requests, which each member is agreeing upon and becoming as one mind and one heart in.

    4) Let us be careful not to get the Father and the Son mixed up. It wasn't the Father who died for us on the cross -- it was His Son Jesus. A visitor who knows little of the Bible might be led to believe something contrary to God's word if he or she hears such mixed-up wording, or might believe that we have a "strange teaching" about Calvary. For just as our teaching should be doctrinally sound, so should our prayers be.

    5) And we need to also realize that some detailed matters might be too personal for a public prayer, but fine when going to God in private -- or, if prayed in public, to then make highly personal matters more general rather than specific.

    6) Try to be original and avoid cliches. Though repetition in itself is not wrong -- nor in using a cliche - it is good to strive for "newness" in our prayers and not have to always pray by rote. Since specific needs can change, then so should our prayers. Learning to really talk to God from a sincere heart -- instead of just a memorized speech -- is what we want to strive for; and the private prayers we offer, in this way, should help us when leading the public ones.

    7) Our prayers should be made from a humble, sincere, and thankful heart. By beginning a prayer that reflects on God's superiority over us and His loving kindness to us, it will certainly help us to be even more humble in His sight -- and sincerely thankful for His goodness to us. For how small we seem in comparison to the greatness of God -- and how grateful we can be that He does love us!

    8) And, of course, we need to be living a godly life, so that our prayers will be answered (1 Jn. 3:22).

    Yes, much can be accomplished through prayer! But before we lead public prayers for the congregation, let us keep the above suggestions in mind.

---Tom Edwards

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