As you lead your group each week, you’ll want to set aside some time in your gathering to pray. This is an excellent opportunity to model prayer for those who may be new to Christianity. It’s also a time to challenge long-time believers to be strategic in their prayer time. You may consider having an extended prayer time of 5-6 minutes where you lead the group in a guided prayer. To do this, you’ll open the time in prayer, offer a prayer focus, allow time for silent prayer, offer another prayer focus, allow another time of silent prayer, continuing with as many prayer needs as you’d like, Finally, wrap up the time with a closing prayer.
Here are three things you can lead your group to pray for:
- Pray for Each Other
Invite your group to pray for other members in the group by name. Ask them to be specific. When we bring another’s needs or requests to the Lord in prayer, this is intercessory prayer. Praying for your group members reinforces the idea that we belong to the body of Christ and have the privilege of praying for each other.
- Pray for Your Pastor
As the spiritual leader of your congregation, your pastor will face many decisions, spiritual battles, and day-to-day challenges. Praying for him on a regular basis demonstrates the value you place on him! Consider following this up with a short note or conversation that you are supporting him in prayer.
- Pray for Your Community
Consider the neighborhoods, businesses, schools, and other organizations within walking distance or a short drive from your church. We are surrounded by people who don’t know Jesus as Savior, but desperately need Him. Leading your group to pray for people in your community highlights this truth. Pray for conversations and encounters that open a door to talking about Jesus.
Prayer is vital to our spiritual growth. Getting in the habit of praying specific prayers is something we can practice and improve upon. Set aside time this week for a guided prayer and see how God will use it!