What Keeps You from Praying at Prayer Meetings?

When we come together as a church, praying at prayer meetings becomes an essential part of our fellowship. Rooted in 1 Corinthians 11:18, our gatherings are more than just Christians sharing the same space—they are intentional assemblies in the name and power of the Lord Jesus to worship, study scriptures, sing, and pray. Praying at prayer meetings distinguishes us from merely performing communal tasks like helping someone move or painting a house, emphasizing our spiritual unity and devotion.

Challenges to Praying at Prayer Meetings

1. Unconfessed Sin

When we harbor unconfessed sin, it grieves the Holy Spirit—a personal presence in our lives. This grief dampens our prayers, making our mouths feel tight and our spirits low, as if sin clogs the streams of life. Praying at prayer meetings requires a clear heart to fully engage with God.

2. Laziness

Complacency can lead us to neglect prayer. As Isaiah 64:7 urges, we must shake off laziness and earnestly engage in prayer, understanding it as essential work rather than a mere obligation. Praying at a prayer meeting should be seen as vital spiritual labor.

3. Fear of Judgment

Worries about how others perceive our prayers can hold us back. Whether fearing our prayers are too simple or too elaborate, this fear can prevent us from expressing our true selves before God. Overcoming this fear is crucial for effective praying at a prayer meeting. The Scriptures themselves tell us that we are to judge—that is, to weigh what is being said!

4. Bitterness and Defrauding

Holding onto bitterness or hiding our true feelings can create barriers to genuine prayer. This defrauding attitude keeps us from fully experiencing joy and freedom in our relationship with God, hindering our ability to engage in praying at prayer meetings authentically.

5. Lack of Desire

Sometimes, we simply don’t feel like praying. This lack of enthusiasm can stem from not having experienced enough of God’s glory or feeling disconnected from His presence. Rekindling our desire for praying at prayer meetings is essential for spiritual growth.

Benefits of Praying at Prayer Meetings

1. Scriptural Foundation

The early church consistently devoted themselves to prayer (1 Corinthians 11:14) even before the Holy Spirit was poured out. Prayer was integral to their teaching, fellowship, and ministry. Emulating this commitment enhances our practice of praying at prayer meetings.

2. Manifestation of God’s Will

Prayer during assemblies aligns us with God’s will, as seen in historical revivals characterized by relentless prayer. Praying at prayer meetings becomes a powerful tool for spiritual revival and transformation.

3. Direct Connection with God

Public prayer offers everyone the chance to speak directly to God, breaking chains of bondage and fostering personal freedom through heartfelt communion. Praying at prayer meetings facilitates this direct connection, enriching our spiritual lives.

4. Edification of the Community

Your prayers, no matter how simple, contribute to the spiritual nourishment of the entire congregation. Each prayer adds to the collective spiritual feast, enhancing our shared faith journey through praying at prayer meetings.

5. Spiritual Warfare

Satan detests our prayers during assemblies because they shift our focus and worship back to God. Engaging in prayer at the gathering is a declaration of our allegiance to Him over the adversary.

6. God’s Delight in Our Praise

While Old Testament sacrifices pleased God, nothing compares to the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving from a broken and honest heart. Our prayers are the true offerings that delight Him, making your prayers deeply satisfying to God.

Encouraging Active Participation in Prayer Meetings

To fully embrace prayer we must move beyond fear, laziness, and bitterness. By wholeheartedly committing to prayer, we honor God and strengthen our faith and community. Let us adopt the practices of the early church, prioritize direct communion with God, and support one another in our spiritual journeys through dedicated corporate prayer.

Conclusion

So praying at the meeting is not just a routine but a vital practice that fosters spiritual growth, community strength, and a deeper connection with God. By addressing the barriers and embracing the benefits, our church can thrive through collective devotion and unwavering faith.