The Bible contains examples of very brief prayers that resulted in powerful miracles being performed.Īn opening prayer to one of God's Sabbath services should also be prayed in earnest, believing FAITH! You should expect that prayer to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the service that follows. Simply because a prayer is short does not mean it is ineffective. Nor should an opening prayer be overly long. Some have been known to repeat "our Father" or "Father" a dozen or more times in a short opening prayer. It should not be a mouthing of mere words. An opening prayer should not be vain or worthless, nor should it be repetitious. We are instructed in God's Word not to be given to "vain repetitions" (Matt. Why Opening Prayers? What, after all, is the object and purpose of having opening prayers? Is it merely to make services sound more "religious"? Would it make any difference if we did not have such prayers? Is it simply part of a hollow, meaningless "ritual" which serves no worthwhile purpose? Not at all! To most, however, opening or closing a service with prayer for the first time is a somewhat traumatic experience, but one that can be taken in stride and made profitable for the entire congregation. They would relish the opportunity to lead the "prayer to end all prayers." (And it probably would end all opening prayers - at least for them!) But fortunately such individuals appear to be a minority. On the other hand, there always seems to be a small number of men in every congregation who can hardly wait to be called upon! They strive to be noticed - in hope they will be asked. Grown men have been found trembling and quaking at the prospect of being asked to lead an opening prayer. Others will sit behind larger people in order to "escape" being called upon. Some actually live in FEAR of being called upon!Ī few have been known to skulk deliberately in the shadows of obscurity hoping to avoid notice. ONE OF the most mind-shattering occasions to many men in God's Church is their first time to be called upon to lead in an opening prayer before the congregation. ![]() ![]() ![]() Are you terrified at the prospect of opening or closing services with prayer? Here are guidelines to help you if you are called upon.
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