Prayer community
Community of prayer is a form of common prayer typical for Protestant and free church gatherings .
practice
Usually, after a short introduction with scripture reading and songs, individual participants take turns to speak and say their prayers aloud in free, self-chosen words. It is desired that the prayers listen to one another and that there is a real unity in the variety of prayers. A certain order is therefore often suggested for prayer communities. For example, it is expected that the participants concentrate on worshiping God , praise and thanks for answers to prayer in the initial phase and only in the second part spread their concerns before God. Especially in public worship services , prayers should be as brief as possible so that many can participate in the prayer communities. Instructions are also given from time to time on the use of language for the freely formulated prayers. Formula-based expressions are to be avoided as far as possible; a natural, authentic expression is desired.
At the end of a prayer group, a leader may summarize what has been said and everyone concludes the prayer group together, for example by praying Our Father or simply saying “ Amen ” out loud .
Other forms of community in prayer
A special form of prayer community is, among other things, the so-called choir prayer , in which all participants pray at the same time in a low tone. Another form is called chain prayer . The chain prayer is often practiced in smaller groups. The participants take turns praying about one or two sentences. When all participants have prayed, they end with a common amen.
Especially in Protestant youth work - where it is shaped by Pietism - prayer communities are often linked with symbolic acts that make it easier to formulate one's own thoughts and concerns. So z. For example, the lighting of a candle can be an expression of hope, the laying down of a stone symbolizes fears or worries.
The community of prayer can also be found in the Catholic Church. For example, the hourly prayer can be prayed out loud together. The Nightfever initiative is also a form of community prayer. In the meantime, the first virtual prayer communities have also existed that are connected via the Internet or by telephone - such as the Oremus prayer community.