requests and then other people in the group volunteer to pray for that person. And then we go around in a circle and pray. I have not volunteered to lead a prayer outloud yet out of fear. I try to observe what phases and things they others use and say, but all that doesn't seem natural to me. How do you lead a prayer out loud. Any good tips or advice?
2007-01-28 15:53:28 · 28 answers · asked by noone 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Thank you for all of the wonderfull responses, i have never had so many great responses to one of my questions.
2007-01-28 16:07:14 · update #1
I was nervous the first time I did this outloud. My youth pastor called me on the spot, and this probably won't make you feel any better but I flubbed over my words. It seems like during my quiet time at home, when I was praying silently, my words came out more eloquently, and even others when they pray aloud, their prayers seemed almost poetic.
Well, my prayers are still far from poetic, but the Lord showed me He didn't want to say what everyone wanted hear, but He just wanted me to talk to Him, like I did in my quiet times. Because I used to be such and introvert after that one day, I started praying aloud at home when I prayed, and that made it much easier. It didn't make them more eloquent, just easier to pray in a larger group. I never changed how I prayed or what I prayed to fit the "church lingo". I just prayed.
2007-01-28 16:01:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes, the best tip and advice I can give you is to do what I do. When you close your eyes and pray to God you are on a one to one basis with HIM.Forget everyone else around you and speak directly to God through your heart and mind and don't worry about any one else. This is private between you and God,although you are talking in front of others. Start with a short prayer until you get comfortable. You can thank God that we live in a country that is free to worship HIM without being thrown in jail or worse. Thank Him for the everyday things we take for granted and for always being with us. Good Luck. It does become easier as you tune the surroundings out.
2007-01-29 00:03:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is the best question that I have read on this site.
It is so hard to pray out loud in front of others. I am always afraid that I am going to say the wrong thing. But the thing is that the Lord hears our hearts. Take your time and don't feel like you have to know all the special vocab. Just pray with faith in your words.
"Lord give us the words and the faith to believe for ____ situation."
I for one appreciate your question and will say a prayer for you.
2007-01-29 00:03:50 · answer #3 · answered by n8g123 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ummmm....Don't worry about it, you don't have to jsut yet. I used to be afraid to, and really I still am-sometimes. When I lead a prayer, I usually start like Dear Jesus, or Precious Heavenly Father or just God, we come to you now...I ususally thank God for my class or group I am in. Then I usually list all the prayer requests, and lift them up to God. Then I say, we lift these to you now, use them for Your glory and let Your will be done in them. Then I thank God for who He is and what HE means to me, then I pray for God to speak through whoever is speaking. And if there were any praises, I do them next. Then I say, all this your precious and Holy name, Amen. Remeber God does not keep score. He doesn't sit up there and say ooooooooh girl, you forgot to pray for such and such. Or you didn't pray as fancily as ....He just loves to hear your voice. Hope it helps, and good luck!!! Also, when praying at your prayer group, would you pray that my house will sell quickly? We are moving on Friday, and no one has even LOOKED at the house, yet...Thanks.
2007-01-29 00:06:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I do know what you mean,I too am very timid praying in front of others, I'm afraid I'll get nervous and freeze up or stumble for words.The best thing to do is,when you are alone praying,pray out loud.Talking to God out loud will get you used to doing so.It helps alot.Then when you lead a prayer,do it because you feel led or that God wants you to and focus your attention on him.
2007-01-29 00:15:35 · answer #5 · answered by Granny 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I understand exactly how you feel. Don't feel like you absolutely have to pray out loud if you aren't comfortable doing it. Allow the spirit to guide you, He can show you what to say. You don't have to say certain words or worry that you sound "spiritual" enough. Just concentrate on what God is putting on your heart. There is so much power in prayer. May God bless and lead you.
2007-01-29 00:00:11 · answer #6 · answered by Esther 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I try to avoid catch phrases or idioms ("evange-speak"). I just speak naturally and say exactly what is on my mind in the most honest way I can. Avoid pretense is my advice.
I have noticed, when praying in front of groups, God helps me and gives me clearer thoughts as I procede. I tend to start out foggy in my mind and then end with someting tangible. Prayer is for us as well.
2007-01-28 23:57:16 · answer #7 · answered by Aspurtaime Dog Sneeze 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, in prayer circle I find that once again faith is my basic start to a prayer. I just open my mouth and start praying and rely on the Holy Spirit to give me the words and He always does. People always tell me that my prayer was so sweet or eloquent and I always say it wasn't me, it was the Holy Spirit.
2007-01-28 23:59:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Prayer should come from your heart. There is no wrong way to pray. Just let the Holy Spirit lead you and say what he puts in your heart and mind to say.
2007-01-28 23:58:26 · answer #9 · answered by tas211 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I know what you mean. I would say be sincere in your prayers. Just pray what you feel you need to pray for. You might even be honest with your group about your nervousness. I am sure they would understand.
2007-01-28 23:56:45 · answer #10 · answered by lend322 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋