What is a prayer meeting?

A prayer meeting is a weekly gathing of Christians to give praise, thanks, honor and love to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. It is a time we gather in community to praise God on a one-to-one basis, as the Holy Spirit moves us.

A prayer meeting is not a discussion club, a therapy session, or a time for counseling. We come to give our full attention to Jesus - through the help of the Holy Spirit (who will teach us all truth).
A prayer meeting has two purposes:

1. To praise, worship, and honor God;
2. To build up the Body of Christ (as brothers and sisters).

Please read from the New Testament 1 Corinthians chapters 12,13 and 14.

What is the content of a prayer meeting?

Opening prayer, time of praise and worship, singing, prophecy (God speaking through someone), tongues (in song as well), interpretation of tongues, Scripture reading, teachings, tesimony, sharing.

Please see 1 Corinthians 14:26-33.

How long do the prayer meetings last?

Usually a minimum of one and one-half hours.

Matt 26:10 "How is it that you were not able to watch with me for one hour?"

Do I have to raise my hands and pray like others do?

No - you should pray as you feel comfortable - as if you were alone with Jesus. Pray as you feel comfortable, but also respect others - the way they pray and feel comfortable.

Do I have to say "Praise the Lord, Alleluia, etc?

No - you do not have to say or do anything you are not comfortable with. Just keep open to the Holy Spirit and pray however you wish - just pray.

Is a prayer group a parish organization?

No - a prayer group is made up of individuals that get together weekly as a family for the purpose of giving Jesus the praise he deserves. The first a primary purpose of all prayer is to praise and honor the God who created us and who gives us all the gives and blessings we enjoy each day.

*Please note that some prayer groups are now considered parish organizations

What are the spiritual gifts we pray for?

See 1 Corinthians 12,13,and 14

Wisdom, knowledge, faith, prophecy (2 Peter 1:20-21) discernment of spirits, tongues (Acts 2:4), interpretation, healing (Acts 5:12-16), miracles (Acts 2:43).

Is the "Baptism in the Spirit" a new sacrament?

No - it is merely a release of the power of the Holy Spirit, already within us - helping us to appreciate Jesus, the Bible, our daily prayer life, our faith, etc. in a deeper way.

Do we have to speak at a prayer meeting?

No - the ones that speak, prophesy or read are usually moved to do so by the Spirit (John 14:26 "The Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you everything, and make you remember all that I have told you.")

What is "testimony"?

Telling how the Lord is working in your life. One's testimony should be short and to the point. Nothing can deaden a testimony more than rambling and irrelevant detail. Make it "short and sweet"

Who can give a teaching at a meeting?

A teaching is reserved to one who has been cleared through the leadership or core group. this is to insure proper teaching.

Is a prayer meeting based on the Bible?

Yes - Jesus said, "Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in their midst" (Matthew 18:19-20).

See also 1 Corinthians 14:26, Acts 1:14, Acts 2:42, Revelation 3:20-21, Revelation 22:17

Covenant Community (one step further) Acts 2:46

Why do we sing?

See Colossians 3:16
Singing is a way of praying, praising, and worshipping God. St. Augustine said, "He who sings prays twice". It should not turn into a songfest. We should pause between songs, readings, prophecies, etc. and listen. This is the time the Holy Spirit can speak to us. We need silence to reflect and allow the Spirit to work.

Why do some greet others with a hug?

This is a sign of brotherhood. See 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 corinthians 13:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:26, and 1 Peter 5:14

Is a prayer meeting like a Eucharistic Celebration (Liturgy or Mass)?

Don't compare one with the other. The Eucharist is a reliving of the greatest act of love that ever took place upon the earth - the Last Supper and Calvary combined (Jesus offering Himself to the last drop of blood for each of us). In the Eucharist we receive Jesus, body, blood, soul and divinity.

In a prayer meeting Jesus is present as in the Mass, in the Scripture readings, where two or three are gathered, in each other, in prophecy, etc., only we worship Him from an informal viewpoint rather than in a structured celebration.

Is Satan real?

See Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Peter 5:8, Matthew 4:1-11; Matthew 8:28-34, Matthew 10:1-8, Matthew 12:22-28; Matthew 13:36-43, Mark 1-4

The importance of prayer and fasting?

See Matthew 17:20-21, Matthew 21:22, Mark 9:29, Mark 11:22-26, Mark 14:37-38, Luke 6:12, Luke 11:1-11, John 8:42-47, Luke 4:1-2, Luke 6:12-16, John 11:41-42, Matthew 26:36-46, Acts 2:42

What should I keep in mind when attending prayer meetings?

Come at least four or five times before making a judgement. it takes that long to understand how the Spirit is working.

Pray as you feel comfortable (let others do the same).

Praying alone, we are easily distracted, we support each other at a prayer meeting.

Pause between songs, readings, teachings, to allow the Spirit to work.

Don't concentrate on others - concentrate on Jesus and you.

All ages are welcomed - we are all children of God (grammar school to senor citizen).

Prapare for the meetings through prayer and sacrifice.

Don't be afraid, you are with friends. Don't let the evil one discourage you.

You will experience the "fruits of the spirit" as you progress (Galatians 5:22, see also Gifts 1 Corinthians 12)

If you do not have an opportunity to speak or share at the meetings - you may do so after the meetings with others during the (fellowship) hour.

If you have any questions, plesse don't leave until you get an answer. We love you and together we love God and help each other as brothers and sisters.