Public Prayer

One of the surprising things I learned from J.I. Packer's class on the Puritans (via Reformed Theological Seminary on iTunesU) was the manner of their public prayer.

Several years ago a group from our church went to Guatemala where we worked with folks of a local village to build housing. At our mid-week worship service together I was intrigued with how these evangelical Christians of Central America prayed. A leader was invited to the pulpit in front to lead the prayer, but as soon as he began, everyone joined in praying aloud. The sanctuary echoed with many voices lifted heavenward, each praying as God led them.

Interestingly enough, this is exactly how the Puritans prayed in their English churches. How different our notions of public prayer have become. In most churches today, instead of saying, "Let us pray," what we are actually saying is. "Now, let's listen to so-and-so pray." This practice of solo prayer comes from the growth of the role of the professional priesthood who were thought to have a bit of a better connection both to educated language and to God's presence. But the earliest Anglican Reformers encouraged everyone to pray aloud, whether in a whisper or with emotional intensity. The purpose of the prayer leader was not to silence the rest of the congregation, but by his or her intercessions to prompt the direction others might take in their own prayers.

I have to admit that silent prayer actually makes it more difficult for me to pray. I listen to what the leader is praying and, at best, when my mind doesn't wander, might nod or say to myself (some prayer that!) a silent Amen. But mostly I just listen and give an polite Amen at the end. I'm not sure this pleases God as I am not really praying. To pray "mentally" is nowhere practiced or encouraged in Scripture. Jesus prayed aloud and taught his disciples to pray by "saying" not by thinking. The Church of Acts 2 on the Day of Pentecost sounded like a rabble of drunks to the by-standers when they prayed and praised God. It wasn't that they were tipsy, but it is likely they were all singing and praying simultaneously.

When someone leads in prayer, practice at least mouthing the words of your own petitions and thanksgivings. Get in the practice of articulating your own communication with God in the presence of others. Self-consciousness before God is the Devil's distraction. Lose your self in the sure confidence that God is listening to you. Prayer isn't thinking to yourself or saying something silently. Isn't that the same inner voice that tempts you and me? Perhaps if we let our lips actually speak what is in our hearts, our faith will transcend mere thinking to take root in our actions.