tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399111901397509638.post2297800804189916171..comments2009-08-03T14:47:13.823-04:00Frontline Roundtablenoreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399111901397509638.post-74734148824179322082009-08-03T13:51:23.996-04:002009-08-03T13:51:23.996-04:00Thanks for the blog entry. I think prayer is definitely something that is very important to small groups and there are often questions surrounding “guidelines” and “structure” of corporate prayer. I wanted to chime in here though, because I don't think I agree with point number (4) Avoid praying for too long. I understand the point that is trying to be made here -- be respectful of people's time, don't be babbling Pharisee speaking big words to impress people, etc etc. BUT if someone feels lead to pray, they should not feel stifled by a time constraint and conversely people who are shy about praying out loud in public, shouldn't feel the need to pray for a long period of time just to fill space and try to sound good. Prayer is a conversation with God -- whether it's private prayer or corporate prayer. It often saddens me when prayer is squeezed in at the end of small group, almost like an after-thought, when people are already getting fidgety and are ready to go. Something our group did for awhile was take prayer requests and pray corporately BEFORE we got to our study discussion. Lastly, point number 4 seems to contradict point number (3) Don’t be afraid to pray again! If people are operating under the idea of a time constraint, they will likely NOT feel comfortable to pray again even if they feel lead. My two cents.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com