Livin' On a Prayer

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

The title for this may have less to do with the actual post itself, and more to do with my love for 80's hairbands. But it is about prayer, so that has to count for something. How is your group doing when it comes to praying together? If you're like most groups, you've probably experienced a few of the following scenarios:

1. Prayer happens, but is often short, before a meal, or an after-thought following the discussion.
2. Few people ever volunteer to pray, leaving the facilitator to do it... who may also have some hesitancy about praying in front of others. 
3. Prayer is mechanical and feels more like a thing to check off the meeting agenda. 
4. Prayer is skipped all together.

Again, if you've experienced any of these, you're group is normal. Have you ever wondered why this is? I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that we're all at different places in our journey. Add to that the personality dynamics and personal backgrounds represented in your group. And I actually think this is a good thing... why? Because it provides a great opportunity for your group to to grow together in a way that's visible and measurable.

Mark Howell has posted some very practical things you can do to make prayer a more strategic part of your group meetings. Look it over, as I'm sure it will be extremely helpful - especially for you group facilitators. But as a group, make sure you work together on this. Facilitators - make sure you stick with it... be intentional... plan it out... and keep trying.

In our pockets of community prayer is a gift, and a duty. Don't miss this. Accept those in your group for who they are, but lovingly challenge them to grow in this area. As a group, strive to make prayer a fundamental part of your times together.

You can read Mark's post here:
www.markhowelllive.com

Have some questions, comments, or other suggestions? Post a comment below so we can all benefit from the discussion!