Prayer Practice

[Jesus said,] “For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.” – Luke 8:17 (NLT)

“Prayers of Joy and Concern” are wonderfully terrible parts of worship services. Pew sitters get to speak out loud to the pulpit standers.   

If prayer is the practice of the presence of God, we are still in rehearsal. Often we need an experienced stage manager. 

Public prayer requires private consent. “May I pray for you?” said the chaplain to the patient. “Oh,” said the patient, “if it will help you, go ahead.” We sometimes say yes to being on the prayer list because it helps us help each other. 

Matters of confidentiality abide, even in a world where secrets are obsolete. There are a range of practices for the church prayer list, from never-to-full reveals of people’s illnesses and dilemmas.   

It is hard to get “Joys and Concerns” right for even a small group of people. We all have different levels of transparency, privacy, openness, etc. Each are values differently held. Some people screech at the sound of their name being said out loud and others want their prayer requests told abroad. One of my mentors lost it over a prayer concern for “my great aunt’s ex-boyfriend’s pancreatic cancer.” I’m exaggerating. So was he. I’m also remembering that another person all but left the church because people forgot to pray for her forthcoming cataract operation. Why did she have to ask, she said. 

Eventually, we will know the “right” way to intercession and prayer. For now, we will bumble along, hoping that all hidden will eventually be revealed. 

Prayer
Practice us, O God, on how to enjoy, solicit and refrain in your presence. Amen.

About the Author
Donna Schaper is an interim Pastor at the United Church of Gainesville, Florida, and author, most recently of Remove the Pews—first from your theology, then from your building.