Written Prayers - or do you wing it?

[Sparko]

That's a parody of scripture, not prayer.

[Sparko]

Sometimes, on a Sunday Morning, I'll just mention that too many times we use prayer to "tattle on people" or to ask for "stuff", or to tell God how to solve problems, or "whatever" --- and remind people that sometimes we just need to come to the Lord with a prayer of thanksgiving.

On those occasions, I'll just ask that we "bow in prayer", and anybody who wants to can just call out something for which they are thankful, or thank God for something or somebody --- there have been some incredibly sweet times like that.

I always hate the "let's hold hands and take turns praying" circle. AAWWKWARD.

[Teallaura]

I once did a service of nothing but a few songs and the various types of prayer. Some unison, some written, some free form (congregation), some requests and a full minute of silence for silent prayer.

One lady really liked it. I'd like to do something like that again but not as a lay speaker.

[Cow Poke]

I always hate the "let's hold hands and take turns praying" circle. AAWWKWARD.

Yeah, we used to do that, but I always told people "if you would like to 'pass', just squeeze the hand of the next person, and they can continue praying". But, yeah, that seems to have been somewhat of a fad or something, I guess.

[Cow Poke]

I once did a service of nothing but a few songs and the various types of prayer. Some unison, some written, some free form (congregation), some requests and a full minute of silence for silent prayer.

One lady really liked it. I'd like to do something like that again but not as a lay speaker.

We did a "catacomb service" occasionally, usually in the winter cause it gets dark early, but on Sunday nights, have all the lights off with a few candles here and there, and we would sing a song or two that we "planned", but then anybody could start a song (and we'd all sing) or read (or quote) a scripture, or pray....

Those were some really good times. And it was interesting how a "theme" would emerge, not necessarily planned by us.

[Sparko]

Yeah, we used to do that, but I always told people "if you would like to 'pass', just squeeze the hand of the next person, and they can continue praying". But, yeah, that seems to have been somewhat of a fad or something, I guess.

Yeah I was never good at praying out loud in front of others. I like to just "think" to God, and about God, and thank him, ask him for advice, etc. I tend to do it throughout the day and then do a goodnight prayer when I go to bed.

[Just Some Dude]

I say to each his own, whichever they perform best with. My Baptist background raised me to dislike written prayers, but I don't believe that can be justified Scripturally. And I personally use the Psalms (whichever ones I have memorized) a lot, even in my private prayers, as I am hopelessly poor at coming up with the appropriate words.

[Cow Poke]

... as I am hopelessly poor at coming up with the appropriate words.

That's when the Holy Spirit can intervene with groanings!

Romans 8 [26]*Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

NIV: [26]*In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

[RBerman]

I always hate the "let's hold hands and take turns praying" circle. AAWWKWARD.

Depended next to whom I was sitting in youth group. Sometimes if you plan things right...

[thewriteranon]

I always hate the "let's hold hands and take turns praying" circle. AAWWKWARD.

And someone always stole my prayer!

As far as I go, though, sometimes I use something like The Lord's Prayer if I'm at a loss at how to form sentences or I know I'll be too rambly otherwise. Otherwise I just wing it. Mostly I just kind of think about God throughout the day, sometimes praying for strength if I'm having a tough time or forgiveness when I realize I just made a mistake. If I work out, I specifically end my workout with a prayer of thanksgiving for the strong, healthy body He has given me.

[Thoughtful Monk]

I generally just wing it, but I can see how written prayers could be helpful (like OBP said). Perhaps it's each in its place.

Amen (the new TWeb version)

[Jedidiah]

I always hate the "let's hold hands and take turns praying" circle. AAWWKWARD.

Yeah - amen

[Cow Poke]

Depended next to whom I was sitting in youth group. Sometimes if you plan things right...

Yeah!

[The Remonstrant]

"Wing it" while writing.

[Sparko]

Otherwise I just wing it.

I always want to pray

"Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that we stop these awkward prayer circle thingies and just pray together silently or have one person lead us in a prayer instead. Amen!"