Specific Agenda
 This is loosely based on 'The Inner Workings of a Prayer Cell' produced by the Lydia Prayer Fellowship. The heart of the session is intercession either taking up the concerns of the group or those that have been presented as the need before the meeting.
The advantage of this sort of exercise is that it has a structure (worship/scripture; unburdening; intercession; thanksgiving) which some people find helpful, but there is also a freedom. The group may vary the length of each section as feels appropriate.
EXERCISE
Worship Psalm 138:1-2
Starting with a hymn, or choruses. This draws our attention and concentration ‘heavenwards’ as we remember that we are met in Jesus' name, it is a sacred time together, with Jesus as Lord in our midst. We recall it is his group, his time, and sometimes a passage of scripture seems appropriate. We acknowledge we need the Holy Spirit to help us to pray.
Unburdening Psalm 66:18; 2 Corinthians 10:5
Because of the frailty of our humanity, and because most prayer groups meet in the evening, it seems good to acknowledge to God our tiredness, our exhaustion with the day's affairs, our irritation, anger, fear, our negativity, and to receive his forgiveness as we forgive others, and receive all that he wants to give us of his peace, love, joy, etc.
The leader might say a short prayer leaving a moment of silence for people privately to put down their burdens and problems, etc. It is worth taking a few minutes to allow people to unload. (Some may want to do this aloud, but this should be discouraged here as it takes too long and it is important to allow everyone enough time to receive from God all that is needed in terms of forgiveness, refreshment of the Holy Spirit, so that the group might intercede together.)
Intercession Romans 8:26; Acts 13:2
People may now feel free to pray as they are led by the Spirit though the Spirit may lead the group into silence. It is usually helpful for everyone to focus on one subject at a time before moving on to the next. This may have been decided on beforehand or else arise in the group - an openness and listening to God may lead in any direction. Occasionally the intercession may be seen in terms of a spiritual battle, and if so it may be good for the leader to enable those praying to feel surrounded by the overwhelming love of God by using appropriate prayers.
Thanksgiving and praise
Closing prayers and hymns or choruses again acknowledge that God is God - honour and glory, praise and worship belong to God and we can humbly offer no less.
|