Corporateprayer is an expression of Christian fellowship. Therefore, it should be ourgoal that our prayer meetings promote our unity in Christ. Here are tenpractical guidelines that will help us honor the Lord Jesus in our times ofprayer together.
1. Recognize the appointed leader of the prayermeeting. Look to this person to give direction.
2. Use prayers that bless, are biblical, and brief(The 3 B’s).
A. Bless: Are others up or torn down? (1 Co. 14:26)
B. Biblical: Does my prayer align itself with theword of God? (John 15:7)
C. Brief: Am I respectful of others who also wantto pray? (Matt. 6:7)
3. Direct prayers Godward. Avoid prayers thatteach, counsel, or give information to others in the group.
4. Seek God’s perspective. Ask God to address therelevant heart issues (Prov. 4:23) that go beyond practical matters offinances, health, relationships, etc.
5. Be sensitive to others who are present. What maybe appropriate in your own personal prayer time may not be appropriate when youare praying with others.
6. Agree in prayer. Bring your thoughts incaptivity. Don’t let your mind wander. Instead of thinking about what you aregoing to pray next, listen to the one praying. Giving a sincere word ofagreement such as “amen” can stir faith in the one praying.
7. Model faith-filled prayers. Pray with anattitude of expectation that God will answer. Focus on God’s faithfulness andability rather than the problem.
8. Pray with thanksgiving. Don’t just give God ato-do list. Thank him for his faithful promises, for the privilege of prayerthat we enjoy through Jesus Christ, and for the fact that God knows and caresabout all of our needs and desires.
9. Speak up when leading out in prayer. Thisenables others to come into spiritual agreement with you.
10. Assumethat all person matters of prayer are confidential. To share even with a closefriend or spouse could violate the trust of another person. If you want toshare a request outside the prayer group, ask the person who requested prayerfor permission.