The Prayer Meeting

The Prayer Meeting is the primary gathering point for the Prayer Community.  The following material provides insights and guidleines into leading a Prayer Meeting.

Preparation for the Prayer Meeting.
The Holy Spirit comes to release the annointing of the gifts. In order to receive these gifts, our hearts must be prepared by reflection, prayer, fasting and contemplation. Read 1 Cor. 14:26 ("Rules of Order")  Each individual of the Core team should commit to at least a half hour of individual prayer some time during the day - prior to the meeting.  It is important to the movement of the Spirit that the memberds of the Core team be "prayed up" before the meeting.

Prayer time before the meeting.
The Core team meets to pray at least 20-30 minutes prior to the prayer meeting. Brief communal prayer by the Core team takes place before any of the other meeting attendees begin to arrive.  The prayer should include elements of: praise, surrender to the Lord of the meeting place/group/individuals/time, a binding of anything not of the Lord, a prayer of protection for all who will attend the meeting including any family members left behind to attend the meeting, and short individual prayer over the leader, speaker, prayer ministry, music ministry and anyone else who will be ministering in any capacity that night (typically the entire Core team - plus some).  This prayer time is to be completed before other guests begin to arrive.  Once others begin to arrive, quickly end the prayer in order to welcome the new arrivals.

Welcoming of arriving participants.
The Core team greets, welcomes and engages the arriving participants.  Failure to warmly welcome arrivals as they enter the meeting place can be received as coldness or cliquishness on the part of the prayer group, whether intended or not. Make a point of being available and welcoming.  "It is is by your love for one another that they will know that you are my 

Gathering and Welcoming.
An uplifting gathering song, or a vibrant gathering prayer, brings the meeting together and to attention.

Introduction.
The Prayer Meeting Leader in charge of that meeting welcomes, introduces self, and explains what will happen during the meeting, setting expectations as appropriate.

Praise and Worship.
Praise and worship, the main element of the prayer meeting (20 mins or more, according to the flow of the Spirit). Praise until worship comes; Worship until anointing comes; Stand in the anointing. Either live or recorded music can be used. This is time for praise ? not for intercession, sharing, praise reports.

Listening to the Lord.
Sit in silence (5-15 mins) to listen for prophetic words; e.g., scripture, visions, prophetic words (as simple as a single word or phrase). The leader invites the participants to share what they hear. We show respect to God?s efforts to touch us by recording, discerning and sharing these words. At larger gatherings, the leader may ask that prophecies be recorded and submitted for discernment prior to sharing with the group.

Talks, Teachings, Testimonies.
Total time of 15-20 minutes. Teachings focus on the areas of need of the prayer group as discerned by the Core Team. More time may be allowed for guest speakers.

Praise Reports.
5-10 minutes total. Be brief. Each praise report are 1-2 minutes max.

Prayer Petitions.
Brief and to the point: Lift up the petition basket/box; Everyone speak additional petitions in unison; Pray in the Spirit.

Closing Song/Prayer.
Thank the attendees. Invite them back. Offer the availability of private, individual prayer. Invite to refreshments and fellowship. End with an upbeat and lively song or prayer; Leave on a high note.

Hospitality.
Serve light refreshments after the closing song/prayer. Fellowship is vital to building the prayer meeting into a prayer community.

Individual Prayer.
Provided to those wanting personal prayer: by a mature, trained, assigned prayer team, in a private place away from the fellowship.