Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

I was just wondering how many Apostolics in here, in your churches, do you have pre-service prayer that is manditory for the born again saints in your church?

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

How does one make pre-service prayer mandatory for all born again believers?

Our church does have pre-service prayer.

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

I pray when driving in the car, walking, and even just sitting around. How is this different than pre-service prayer (prayer room)?
(And I cannot concentrate in a prayer room -never could. Too many people trying to be louder than the next person.)

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

In the prayer room you are seen.........

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

Perhaps by teaching that the bible shows the necessity of it; if a saint then still does not obey after being taught the necessity of it, then perhaps it is time for the Pastor to obey what it teaches him to do, when a saint does not obey.

My church does as well.

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

Does that mean then that your church does NOT have manditory pre-service prayer?

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

I don't think I'll ask.

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

We do not have a pastor who CONTROLS his church as in forces something... God however has blessed us with a church that is full of prayer... we do have many many many in pre service prayer... The staff is required to pray before service.. actually as you walk in the door you can see them in the conference room all gathered around the pastor in prayer... the choir in another room in prayer... the youth in another room in prayer.. the little kids in another room in prayer... more often than not our youth pre service prayer turns into prayer meetings that last till 9 or 10 at night with youth slain in the spirit all over the place and them leaving so drunk they cant walk.... But mandatory... no but we love to pray!!!!!

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

We're still looking for a church in our area, but responding to the spirit of the question, no, I have never been to a church where it was mandatory. We always had one -but it was not mandatory.

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

dude, you are so carnal :)

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

Great Post AG.

I like to watch our choir gather together in the corner and pray together before going on the platform (after the pre-service prayer)

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

Honestly, I have a problem with the whole concept of a prayer room, unless it is for individuals only.
My experience has shown that they ALWAYS attract guys (or gals, but mainly guys) who are trying to outdo each other and appear to be the most spiritual one in the room.
And the whole thing is just too distracting.

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

Thats one thing about our church too... we have to just kneel at our pew or find a classroom thats not in use or something... cuz we dont have room for everyone to sit in church nor a prayer room big enough for everyone.. I do think the new building includes some but for now... pray where you be or find a spot lol... thats what happens when you grow! Gotta have prayer to grow.. we are a growin and prayin.. just need more room for both Praise God!

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

Me too... where we moved here from thats how it was done.. now we are literally so tight on room.. they go pray somewhere and then come straight from there to the platform. But you can definitely tell they have prayed!

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

Generally, if one was to be on the plattform for praise and worship, choir, or ministering, it was indeed mandatory or very much expected for you to be in the prayer room before that service.

My church in AL was a bit lax with that, but the element of expectation was still there.

I see nothing wrong with making this a rule-- I see everything right with it.

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

Not the "half-nelson-force-'em-prayer-choke-hold", I hope. :club

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

I have never experienced that, and have been a member of a few different churches now.
Are you certain that is what those people were doing? Trying to act more spiritual that each other?
And if they were, is that a good reason for you to abandon corporate prayer in your church with fellow believers? Where two or three agree, as touching any one thing... They were all in one accord, in one place...

Not meaning this post in any other way than just... don't shortchange yourself. There is power in a group gathering to pray.

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

I totally agree and I hope by my first post no one thought I didnt mean I do not think its necessary for it to be mandatory for music / staff/ so on... but I am just saying I do not know how you can make it mandatory for every one in your church... It should be a given and I seem to see it as such with each individual in our church....

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

Makes perfect sense... I agree. We have similar "rules" for those ministering in leading the service as well...

However, currently as a mom to two, under two... I can't get to pre-service prayer each week. My son actually disrupts it quite badly... I wouldn't dream of trying to keep him in there at this age... it's enough teaching him to be quiet during service. He'll learn eventually, (and so will my baby)... and then we will be there.
I just found it strange the way the original post was worded (and subsequent post as well)
Mandatory for all born again believers... and if you don't, you are dealt with?

Anyway, I have no desire for an argument... just don't quite understand that.
I think AG has said it best for me.

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

I've always assumed that just being in the same building was good enough.

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

In the OT, the high priest could only enter the holy of holies once a year, but had to follow certain steps before doing so such as (may get some of these wrong or in the wrong order or may forget some)...

- sacrificing at the brazen altar (type of repentance and/or crucifying the flesh)
- washing at the brazen laver (type of baptism)
- burning incense at the golden candlestick before the veil (type of offering up praise - i.e., worship)

The point was that he HAD to do these things BEFORE he was ready to enter into the presence of God and HEAR from God's word.

Sometimes apostolics ask, why do we do the things in a church service that we do? Is it just tradition or is there a bible example?

Pre-service prayer is like crucifying the flesh and getting the flesh under subjection. My personal experience is that when I go to pre-service prayer, I find it easier in the service. During worship my flesh does not feel so heavy and worship is easier and I also get more out of the preaching of the word of God. Also the word of God teaches us that no flesh shall glory in his presence. The flesh and Spirit war against each other, but by prayer we give the Spirit the upper hand.

Worship is like offering up the incense which was another step that had to be done BEFORE being ready to hear the word of God.

We are priests now in the NT.

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

:D

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

I feel the same. Pre-service prayer can lift the level of a service.

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

This is all fine and good if it wasn't as someone said earlier, a contest of who can be the loudest, who can rebuke the debbil the strongest, and who can bind and release, and move and shake, etc.

How do I know this? Because I used to be a thoroughbred in that category.

I agree it purges all thoughts and carnality, especially arriving on time to prayer when the Broncos lose.

Another thing, mandatory? No it is another one of those things mentioned from the pulpit that if you do not participate you are cold and dead and on your way to being lost, same with tithing, being there on church work day, and singing in the choir.

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

If pre-service prayer is mandatory, what happens if you can't make it? You're not allowed in the service?

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

We do have prayer meeting on Wednesday nights, before our regular services.

http://www.mynewlifechurch.net/

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

...then you need to run the isles, shout harder and louder in the service to excize all those evil outside and wordly influences.


:D

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

We do, and it is mandatory. Anyone who doesn't pray in the prayer room waving a hanky before service gets their "born again saint" status revoked and has to pray in the altar after service. Sort of like a detention.

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

TOP......I think something wonderful happens in a church body when members come together in one room, in one accord and pray. The power of God comes down like in no other setting. Show me someone that mocks or resist scheduled prayer and I'll show you someone that is not consistant in their prayer life. yes, we ALL pray going down the street, in a car at home on the job, etc. but IMHO it cannot replace what happens when we come together. If I had the time or the space and could tell you of things that has happened in prayer, in the prayer room, or at the church or at someones home or in our church prayer "Fire Houses", it would cause you to want to experience the Glory of God.

When we pray together and miracles happen....no one person gets the glory. God gets it. It is so easy to say "I" when we recount miracles.

How I wish more pastor's would insist on pre-service prayer. I do not think you can or should call it mandantory as it takes something away from us all when we are forced to do anything. But if any pastor or ministry would make each prayer meeting exciting and a place that entertains the Holy Ghost then you will NEVER have to make it mandantory. they will come. they will bring their neighbor (who would not usually step foot in your church) just to pray. The young people will once again get on fire for God. Miracles will happen. Marriages will be put back together. Alters will be filled. All because people prayed.

Of course I do not have to mention of all the biblical miracles that took place when "people" (plural) prayed. But then I have seen the miraculous with only 1 praying but for the most part "people" need each other to be and stay encouraged.

I started out as a young person praying every morning at the church at 5:00 a.m. before going to school along with my family and the rest of the church. This is what gave me my prayer foundation that kept me when my world crumbled. I thank God every day for meeting with me and for my pastor who encouraged us to pray by his example.

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

Is is just me or has anyone noticed that more and more people war against any kind of rules. is it just a spirit of our day or what? examples, school kids, parents and kids against teacher rules. Church members against any rules, Nation against conservative rule, kids against parents rule, wives against husband rule (of any kind) worker against any corporate rule.

Not trying to stir the pot just seeing a very disturbing trend that is not letting up. Where will that leave my grandchildren. To me it just a strong foothold for the enemy. But then, who am I?

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

The necessity of pre-service prayer? Where in the bible does it show that? Teach the necessity of prayer? Sure, but you are talking about legislating something that the bible does not mention being mandatory....that is praying before a service...just before a service AT the church building grounds...not in the car..not at home...not earlier in the day.

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

We have intercessory prayer before our Main Sunday service. Not everyone comes but those who do touch the throne of God. I just love pre-service prayer.

Blessings, Rhoni

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

I don't believe in "mandatory" pre-service prayer. We serve God out of a willing heart. When "things" are made to be "madatory", whether it be prayer or giving... it comes a ritual void of power. I do believe we should enter a worship service prayerfully but to "mandate" a time of prayer is a vain attempt to force spirituality. Prayer, like everything else we give to God, should be offered out of willingness and a desire to please God. We serve God because we love Him, not because we are "required" to serve Him.

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

I believe in "Mandatory Prayer" before service.....for my choir and musicians, yup I sure do!!!! Wanna fight???? *I might need to pray right now:)*

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

Just as affective as prayer before service is to have a "prayful" atmosphere in the auditorium before service.

Dimmly lit lights, soft music and hushed talking. Those that want to pray in there can or just sit and gather your thoughts and focus on the service that is about to start.

One thing that I HATE is walking into a service and the whole place sounds and looks like a convention. Laughing, kids running around, talking about any and everything!

Sometime walk in your service and pretend you know no one and are a visitor and see how YOU would feel.

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

So do you think the sanctuary should be just that, a sanctuary, and all the fellowship between the saints (chitchat) should be done outside the sanctuary?

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

I honestly do.

I've only attended ONE church that was like that and it was so refreshing. You could talk all you wanted to out in the foyer, but once you entered the sanctuary it was respected as that.

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

We don't have pre service prayer. And mandatory? No, it wouldn't be if we did have it.

Re: Pre-Service Prayer in Apostolic Churches?
 

I agree Renda, when you spend time in prayer, or reflecting on the Lord just before a service starts, you are that much more ready to enter in.

I think pre-service prayer is wonderful, and I would encourage all churches to have it.
(along with other prayer meetings)