Counsels on Church Life

Counsel #7 — Pray Together

Picture: Counsel #7 — Pray Together CCL 78.1

Praying for and keeping track of requests throughout the group’s duration can be a great way to see God’s work over time. But prayer is more than just asking God for things. Taking a few intentional minutes to pray together as a group can make prayer more meaningful than just one person saying a quick prayer. Group prayer can feel long and boring when each person prays for a long time. United prayer is a method where the group prays together, each person saying a short sentence at a time. These prayers are usually organized into sections like praise, confession, requests, and thanksgiving, with 2—5 minutes allocated to each section.^[103] CCL 78.2

“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16 NKJV CCL 78.3

“The prayer and social meetings should be the most interesting gatherings that are held. Plans should be laid, and wisdom sought of God, to conduct these meetings so that they will be interesting and attractive... Long, prosy talks and prayers are out of place anywhere, and especially in the social meeting. They weary the angels as well as the people who listen to them. Our prayers should be short, and right to the point.” Ellen White in The Review and Herald, October 10, 1882, par. 13 CCL 78.4

Reflect: Think about how simple and complete the Lord’s prayer is, which Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 6:9-13. Compared to most prayers offered in public or church, how long is this prayer? CCL 78.5