Another aspect of our assemblies we need to evaluate is the practice of public prayer. The early church devoted themselves continually to prayer (Acts 2:42), sometimes gathering solely for this purpose (Acts 12:5, 12). While the scriptures often emphasize the need for personal and private prayer (Matt 6:5-6), there is also great value in communicating our thanksgivings and petitions as a family to our Father in heaven.
The common practice in the early church was to have one man lead in prayer while the congregation expressed their agreement by all saying “Amen” when the prayer was finished. This practice was adopted from the Jewish synagogues, “Amen” being a word of Hebrew origin that means “so be it” or “may it be fulfilled” (Thayer).
Paul references this custom when addressing those in Corinth who were praying in tongues: “If you bless in the spirit only, how will the one who fills the place of the ungifted say the “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying? For you are giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not edified” (1 Cor 14:16-17). Here we see that public prayer is a central part of both worship and edification in the assembly. We worship in our prayers by expressing honor and thanksgiving to God. Yet we also seek to encourage and build up one another by joining our hearts together in this heavenward communication. In this article, we will examine practical ways that we can effectively accomplish both of these goals in our public prayer.
In evaluating the practice of public prayer we have to start by considering effective prayer leadership. It is a great responsibility to verbalize the sentiments of the entire congregation in prayer. If the assembly is to say the “Amen,” the wording of a prayer must communicate a message that all can join their hearts and minds to affirm. How effectively congregational prayer expresses reverence and builds up the body is first and foremost a matter of prayer leadership.
An effectively worded prayer starts with the heart. Public prayer is not a performance. Although we are seeking to stir up and encourage our brethren, prayer is still addressed to God, not men. If our primary focus is upward and not outward, we will give greater attention to the refining of our hearts than the polishing of our speech. Lips that honor God are worthless if not accompanied by hearts that draw near to Him (Matt 15:8-9). Our words must be heartfelt and meaningful, not just thoughtless repetitions (Matt 6:7). Even in our earthly relationships we understand that effective communication is not scripted or monotonous. It varies widely as we seek to share our hearts with others. So, as we approach God in prayer, we must pour out our hearts before His throne, not just present Him with a canned speech.
This expression of our hearts should reflect genuine reverence. God is not just a cosmic vending machine that exists to cater to our every need. He is the Sovereign Ruler of all the universe and we were created for His glory. We must never forget whose throne we are approaching in prayer. “Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few” (Eccl 5:2). Hearts that have the proper respect for God will word prayers with great care and solemnity, lifting up His name with the honor it deserves.
At the same time, a leader must not neglect to consider the hearts he is directing in this heavenward communication. Effective personal prayer and effective public prayer are not the same thing. There is an element of edification that must be taken into account. When leading other’s thoughts before God’s throne we must take care to keep everyone’s spirit and mind engaged in what we are saying (1 Cor 14:15). If we are to offer our prayers “with one accord” (Acts 4:24) we must speak in a way that can be clearly heard and understood by all. If we are truly pouring out our hearts to God together, we must strive to pray in a tone that reflects passion and sincerity.
Effective public prayer, however, is not the responsibility of one man. We all have a personal obligation to express our honor for God and encourage our brethren by keeping our minds engaged. Each of our hearts must be drawing near to the throne of God, bringing Him this offering of thanksgiving and praise together. We must all make the prayer our own, so we can all genuinely conclude with a hearty “Amen” of support and encouragement. A devotion to prayer should always be evident in our assemblies.
In conclusion, congregational prayer involves both worship and edification, both thoughtful leaders and focused followers. Effectively communicating thanksgivings and petitions to our Father in heaven is something we must all participate in as family. Let us all seek to lift up His name and build up His body as we join in prayer together.