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.
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?
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His banner over me is LOVE.... My soul followeth hard after thee....Love one another with a pure heart fervently. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
To be a servant of God, it will cost us our total commitment to God, and God alone. His burden must be our burden... Sis Alvear
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?
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.
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Master of Science in Applied Disgruntled Religious Theorist Wrangling
PhD in Petulant Tantrum Quelling
Dean of the School of Hard Knocks
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.
I agree. It creates an atmosphere condusive to worshipping God.
BTW, all of the Catholic churches I have been to and grew up in are like that!
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His banner over me is LOVE.... My soul followeth hard after thee....Love one another with a pure heart fervently. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
To be a servant of God, it will cost us our total commitment to God, and God alone. His burden must be our burden... Sis Alvear
Our pastor encourages us to attend pre-service prayer. It really does help create an atmosphere for the service. Alot of us come in with our mind on our jobs and problems in life, and when you pray...it helps get your thoughts on God and leave everything outside. If not...some it takes all of song service and part of preaching to get their thoughts together. As for being mandatory...it is highly appreciated...my pastor says it helps him...that we are pulling together for the service. But if you are part of the service...song leader, praise singer...he ask that you be there for prayer.
I prefer to do my socializing after church myself. Well, I used to, until I had the two anklebiters to chase around after service. But it's wonderful to see the prayer beforehand, the moving of God during, and then the fellowship afterward. It's all good!
__________________ Mrs. LPW
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
My soul followeth hard after thee....Love one another with a pure heart fervently. 
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