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!!!!!
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)
__________________ 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.
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.
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!
I like to watch our choir gather together in the corner and pray together before going on the platform (after the pre-service prayer)
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!
How does one make pre-service prayer mandatory for all born again believers?
Our church does have pre-service prayer.
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.
__________________
"The choices we make reveal the true nature of our character."
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.
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.
__________________ 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.
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.
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....
We have always had prayer before every service. Those wo are able to get to church early usually go to any area they choose to kneel or stand...and pray. I'm like Randy Wayne in that I pray on my way to church most times, if I know I won't be able to get to church early enough.
But being mandatory? It's not at our church, but then again no one has to be begged to pray before each service. It's just something we gladly do.
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.
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.
__________________ 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.
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