Corporate Prayer

I have been criticized for my failure to pray in my Sunday school class. I know...I know everyone does it, but I do not. I find myself doubting the utility and even validity of corporate prayer. How often do you see examples of people being 'lead in prayer' in the New Testament? There isn't any. You might find groups of people praying together for a specific purpose at a specific time. And sometimes you see Jesus praying publicly for example sake or for the sake of those gathered so they might believe He was from the Father. Otherwise, you do not see it much in the New Testament.

The fact is that in the Christian age, we can all approach the throne of grace boldly, individually and privately. That's one of the great things about the One True Faith. It's portable and practicable anywhere.

Jesus gave us very specific, and might I add, very powerful instructions in the Sermon On The Mount about how we should pray and it is not public.

Matthew 6:5-8

    5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

It's my observation that some pray to be heard by men and you have to wonder if they are talking to God at all. Others ramble on and on, saying very little, but sounding quite holy. Then there are the old timers that try to pray in King James English as if God was a medieval British monarch.

Really people, you do not need to be 'lead' in prayer. You can pray in small groups of individually as needed and when you are moved to do so, but we have specific instructions from the Lord. Why would you disobey Him over something so important? Why would you expect me to do that?

Corporate prayer is a mirage. It's an illusion that you are all somehow getting blessed by the pray-er and his prayers become yours. This is not the case. Say your own prayers and I will say mine. You do not need an elder or a preacher or a teacher to ramble on and on saying things you wished you'd said.

Effective prayer, in my experience, is individual and powerful for communing with your heavenly Father and offering thanksgiving to Jesus. Petitions and requests become a private matter, even when you pray for others. Personal prayer is powerful. God knows what we need, but sometimes we don't until we talk about it with Him.

So, my friends, say your prayers before you come to class and to church. It will make it all so much better for you. And you church leaders, consider giving the sheep time to pray individually and quietly during the service. A roomful of sincere, silent prayers will mean much more to the One we worship. Take a break. We can pray...seriously, we can.