Will you take the “Active Prayer Challenge” with me? Yes, I did just make that up, but at least hear me out. Below, you will find what our denomination believes about prayer in our public worship services. It is a treasure trove of wonderful Bible truths, ranging from a definition of prayer to the call to do so, from content to implementation. These things are all good! Now, on top of that, will take the challenge with me? This coming Sunday (put a reminder in your phone, sticky note on your fridge, or whatever you do to remember things!), will you “approach” the “whole of public worship” in a “spirit of prayer” (section b below)? As we sing, hear God’s Word read, hear God’s Word proclaimed, make our tithes and offerings, and receive the benediction, will you actively pray before and during each one? It might be a simple “Lord, let this be a blessing to me,” or it might be more personal. It might be a “Lord, let this work in my life,” or it might be looking out to others. Whatever it is, take the “Active Prayer Challenge” with me, and let’s watch our God work just as he said he would in his Word! Don’t watch the service. Be a part of the service! Think on these things, and be blessed today.
CHAPTER 5.B.2 (Ordinary Parts): PRAYER
“Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgement of his mercies.”
a. It is the duty of all people to pray. Prayer that is acceptable to God is to be made in the name of the Son, by the help of the Spirit, according to God’s will.
b. The whole of public worship should be approached and conducted in a spirit of prayer, whether singing, reciting Psalms, reading and hearing the Word, making offerings, and receiving the sacraments and benedictions (Eph. 6:18, Col. 4:2, 1 Thess. 5:17).
c. The prayers of public worship should include praise and adoration to God (Ps. 146:1-2, Ps. 147:1), as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, according to His glorious attributes and wonderful deeds (Ps. 145, 150:2). There should be thanksgiving to God for all His benefits and blessings (Ps. 103), repentance, confession of sin (after which by the authority of the Word of God a minister should declare the assurance of pardon), intercessions, and supplications (1 Tim. 2:1-2).
d. Prayer, “being one special part of religious worship,” should be included in every service of public worship. There may be seasons of open prayer where all may participate. The congregation may also unite in prayers from printed texts, in responsive prayers, or in silent prayers. Various Psalms may be used as set prayers or as models of prayer upon which new prayers may be formed. The whole congregation may be led in prayer by one or several appointed to the task (2 Chron. 6:12-42, 20:1-19; Ezra 9; Neh. 8; Dan. 9:3-19; Matt. 6:9-13; Acts 4:24-30; James 5:13-16). Those who lead the congregation in prayer undertake to give voice to the prayers of the whole congregation. Careful thought and preparation should go into such prayers (Eccl. 5:1-3, Matt. 6:7-13, Note the use of the plural pronouns in the Lord’s Prayer).