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Structure and Dynamics of a CHARISMATIC PRAYER MEETING
Pat Collins C.M author, lecturer and retreat giver, from All Hallows in Dublin reminds us of the basics of the charismatic prayer meeting.
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Sonnets are poems which express a single idea in fourteen lines with a rhyming couplet at the end. Although the rules are strict, in the hands of a master, like William Shakespeare, the poet finds in the form, not bonds but wings. A prayer meeting is similar. It has an identifiable structure and dynamics, within which the leader and participants can express the inspirations of the Holy Spirit. So, ideally, good order and spontaneity go hand in hand. Order without spontaneity is lifeless, and spontaneity without order is chaotic. These guidelines describe the form and dynamics of well conducted prayer meetings. They are not intended to be a rigid blueprint but rather a resource to help prayer group leaders, and participants to be more thoughtful about the conduct of prayer meetings. 1. WELCOME The appointed leader - usually not the person in charge of the music ministry - welcomes those present, especially visitors. 2. PRAYER OF INVOCATION A) A Penitential A.C.T., B) Asking for the Holy Spirit 3. WORSHIP There is a natural rhythm to worship. Usually it follows the one described here. It is important to avoid having a mindless sing-song. The praise leader should explain why particular hymns have been chosen A) Thanksgiving - We enter the gates of God's presence by means of thanksgiving. The people can be invited to share briefly the reasons why they want to thank God Appropriate prayers and hymns can be said and sung B) Praise - The meeting moves from appreciating the gifts of God to appreciate the Giver of the gifts. Genuine praise needs to be loud and long, (Cf. Sir 43:31-34) in English, tongues, songs and actions e.g. clapping. C) Adoration - Ps 22:3 tells us that the Lord is enthroned on the praises of his people. If people make a graced effort to thank and praise God, the Lord may be revealed in a deeper way that evokes quiet, or even silent adoration. This is the highpoint of worship. 4. EXERCISING THE GIFTS During the quiet time the Lord often reveals His divine
Presence and purposes to the gathering by: 5. SHARING These should follow the A.B.C. of good Christian communication and be Audible, Brief and Christ centered. There are 3 kinds: A) Inspirations - There are many possibilities e.g. an inspiration that came during the earlier quiet time. B) Testimonies - The leader may have asked someone to give a testimony, i.e. the story of how God was revealed in his or her life by means of a conversion experience or a healing. C) Witness - A person/s share how they have seen God active in his or her prayer life and everyday experience. 6. TEACHING It is a key to growth. It needs to deal with "charismatic" subjects such as the charisms and being guided by the Spirit. Pope John Paul II said that it should also contain programmed teaching on the Christian mysteries and way of life. They can be given by a gifted member of the group, an invited speaker, or take the form of a relevant extract, of about 10 mins from a tape recording. 7. PETITIONS/INTERCESSIONS About 10 mins are devoted to this. 8. HEALING MINISTRY This is usually done in the form of laying on hands by the appointed healing team at some point in the meeting. 9 CONCLUSION A) Announcements
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