Praying in Public Bible Study
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Praying in Public
Praying in Public Bible Study is a reformated version of Squidoo's Praying in Public, intended to be used in a Bible Study or a Christian Descipleship Class. I prepared this for a Church Fellowship in which a bunch of men headed out to shoot skeet. We car pooled and each car worked through this study during the 45 minute drive to the range.
We needed a study that was portable enough to be used in a car, light enough to encourage fellowship amongst newer and more mature Christians, easy enough to be delivered by non-teachers and meaningful enough to encourage discussion and growth. I believe this study met all of those needs. If you'd like to view this work in its original form, click Praying in Public.
I grant permission for this work to be printed and used in it's entirety for its stated and intended purposes, only.
In other words:
Above image provided by Art.com. To purchase, click Praying Cowboys.
We needed a study that was portable enough to be used in a car, light enough to encourage fellowship amongst newer and more mature Christians, easy enough to be delivered by non-teachers and meaningful enough to encourage discussion and growth. I believe this study met all of those needs. If you'd like to view this work in its original form, click Praying in Public.
I grant permission for this work to be printed and used in it's entirety for its stated and intended purposes, only.
In other words:
- Yes, your Christian-friendly group may print this text and use it as a study guide.
- Yes, you may Tweet it, reTweet, Facebook it, Digg it, Stumble it, etc. - Please!
- No, you may not republish it or use it for commercial purposes.
- I'm not a lawyer and I'm sure I left something out. Just do the right thing.
Above image provided by Art.com. To purchase, click Praying Cowboys.
Contents at a Glance
Praying in Public
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Praying in Public
Notes to facilitator:
Are You Afraid to Pray in Public?
Introduction
Glossophobia is "the fear of public speaking." There is no clinical term for "the fear of Public Praying" (I suspect there are enough similarities that a separate name is not warranted), but a name is not necessary for the intended purpose of this study, anyway. This is not to be a clinical (read that as worldly) study, but rather a spiritual one. It is hoped that this study will help Christians to recognize the role of Public Prayer in society and Church and to help them to be better prepared when their turn comes to Pray in Public.
Discussion Block #1
Ask: "What kind of praying do you think we're going to be talking about in this study?" - Pause for discussion
Public Prayer is a somewhat vague term and can refer to several types of prayer, some of which are detailed below:
I'm sure there are other possibilities, but the third is what we're addressing in this study.
Every Christian is asked to pray aloud at some time. Inside the Church, we're asked to pray in Sunday School classes, prayer meetings, through the course of worship meetings, etcetera - often, just because it's our turn. Outside the Church, we're often called upon because others recognize the authority of God, but don't have a strong relationship with Him.
One group asks us to pray as a matter of growth and discipline. The other asks us to pray because we can and they cannot - either way, don't turn down this opportunity. Don't deny your Lord in Public!
Ask: "How do you respond when asked to pray in public?" - Pause for discussion
Ask: "When you're in public and an appropriate prayer opportunity arises, will you be the one to say 'Let's come together and have a prayer time.' " - Pause for discussion
Discussion Block #2
Ask: "Doesn't Scripture tell us to not pray in public?" - Pause for discussion
Scripture does tell us to not pray in such a way as to try to exalt ourselves. In Luke 18, we have the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Both men prayed out loud and in public: the tax collector prayed earnestly to God and was justified; the Pharisee prayed to himself and was not.
Discussion Block #3
Ask: "But Scripture does tell us to Lock Ourselves in Our Prayer Room - what about that?" - Pause for discussion
Yes it does. But if you were to reread Matthew 6, I think you'd realize that Personal Prayer and Public Prayer are different, but not mutually exclusive. Having a personal relationship with God is the foundation of the Christian faith. That personal relationship is what allows us talk (pray) one-on-one with God.
Everyone should endeavor to have a meaningful Personal Prayer life. The fact remains that from time to time, every practicing Christian will be called upon to pray in public.
Discussion Block #4
Ask: "What if I don't know how. I don't know my Bible well enough. I don't speak "thees" and "thous." I'm just not articulate enough." - Pause for discussion.
If you say that you don't know how: that's why you're here.
If you say that you don't know your Bible well enough: continue in your studies, but don't let it keep you from this area of worship and service to God.
If you say that you don't speak "thees" and "thous": neither do I, but God hears my prayers anyway.
If you say that you're not articulate enough: In other words, you don't know what to pray. I suspect that this is the real problem in many cases. Either we feel we'll be judged by others in the group, and fall short of their expectations, or we feel inadequate to represent the rest of the group as we stand before God.
Ask: "What do we think about that that last point ' I'm not articulate enough- I never know what to pray.' " - Pause for discussion
Discussion Block #5
Ask: "What do you think some of the 'dos' and 'do nots' of public praying might be?" - Pause for discussion
Remember, You're Praying to God on Behalf of Your Group.
DON'T use this opportunity to show off your Bible knowledge or oratory skill, shame anyone into repentance, advertise your cause or preach a mini sermon.
We've all heard the man that can pray from Genesis to Revelations... using "thees" and "thous," "shalts" and "shalt nots"... addressing God by every name used in the Bible (some in the original language)... calling down fire and brimstone. If this is that man's personality and is the way he prays in his private prayer time, then I say have at it. But if this is a show, being performed to impress others, then it has no place among the assembly of God's people.
DO use this opportunity to approach the Throne of God, and to take the rest of the group with you.
Discussion Block #6
Ask: "Suppose I've been convicted, how do I get started?" - Pause for discussion
Ask: "What would you add to this list?" - Pause for discussion
Notes to facilitator:
- This study is an adaptation of a web post that I made a few months ago. Participants can view this study in its original form at www.squidoo.com/praying-in-public. From there, they can print it, bookmark it, Facebook like it, Tweet it, forward it to a friend, etc.
- This is a discussion based study that's ready-to-go; the only preparation needed is a precursory reading to familiarize yourself with the format. Because this study is taking place in a moving car, opened Bibles are not needed. Just read the bolded speaking points, ask the questions in italics and pause for discussion. As facilitator, it's your responsibility to encourage the discussion. Don't allow participants to feel that they're being singled out, picked on, made to feel that their opinions are being unvalued. It's also your responsibility to keep discussions on-track and doctrinally sound. If a point is raised for which no one in your group has an answer Use Your Lifelines, but do so once you've reached your destination or on Sunday - Don't Allow The Discussion To Stop While You Make A Phone Call. Example: "That's a great point; let's see what the Pastor/Sunday School Teacher/Deacon/etc. has to say when we stop."
- Encourage all participants to turn off their cell phones, mp3 players, GPS devices, etc. We'll be making a lot of noise soon enough, this is quiet time for fellowship and study.
- This study is appropriate for all ages; as such, all should be encouraged to participate.
- Remember to open and close in prayer.
Are You Afraid to Pray in Public?
Introduction
Glossophobia is "the fear of public speaking." There is no clinical term for "the fear of Public Praying" (I suspect there are enough similarities that a separate name is not warranted), but a name is not necessary for the intended purpose of this study, anyway. This is not to be a clinical (read that as worldly) study, but rather a spiritual one. It is hoped that this study will help Christians to recognize the role of Public Prayer in society and Church and to help them to be better prepared when their turn comes to Pray in Public.
Discussion Block #1
Ask: "What kind of praying do you think we're going to be talking about in this study?" - Pause for discussion
Public Prayer is a somewhat vague term and can refer to several types of prayer, some of which are detailed below:
- Praying silently/quietly, to oneself in a public area. In Ist Thessalonians, we're told to pray without ceasing; this should not be a stumbling block.
- Praying aloud in a public area uninvited and with antagonistic intent. This is born of a spirit of hate, not love. God is love.
- Praying aloud in public because you're invited to do so and because it's the right thing to do.
I'm sure there are other possibilities, but the third is what we're addressing in this study.
Every Christian is asked to pray aloud at some time. Inside the Church, we're asked to pray in Sunday School classes, prayer meetings, through the course of worship meetings, etcetera - often, just because it's our turn. Outside the Church, we're often called upon because others recognize the authority of God, but don't have a strong relationship with Him.
One group asks us to pray as a matter of growth and discipline. The other asks us to pray because we can and they cannot - either way, don't turn down this opportunity. Don't deny your Lord in Public!
Ask: "How do you respond when asked to pray in public?" - Pause for discussion
Ask: "When you're in public and an appropriate prayer opportunity arises, will you be the one to say 'Let's come together and have a prayer time.' " - Pause for discussion
Discussion Block #2
Ask: "Doesn't Scripture tell us to not pray in public?" - Pause for discussion
Scripture does tell us to not pray in such a way as to try to exalt ourselves. In Luke 18, we have the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Both men prayed out loud and in public: the tax collector prayed earnestly to God and was justified; the Pharisee prayed to himself and was not.
Discussion Block #3
Ask: "But Scripture does tell us to Lock Ourselves in Our Prayer Room - what about that?" - Pause for discussion
Yes it does. But if you were to reread Matthew 6, I think you'd realize that Personal Prayer and Public Prayer are different, but not mutually exclusive. Having a personal relationship with God is the foundation of the Christian faith. That personal relationship is what allows us talk (pray) one-on-one with God.
Everyone should endeavor to have a meaningful Personal Prayer life. The fact remains that from time to time, every practicing Christian will be called upon to pray in public.
Discussion Block #4
Ask: "What if I don't know how. I don't know my Bible well enough. I don't speak "thees" and "thous." I'm just not articulate enough." - Pause for discussion.
If you say that you don't know how: that's why you're here.
If you say that you don't know your Bible well enough: continue in your studies, but don't let it keep you from this area of worship and service to God.
If you say that you don't speak "thees" and "thous": neither do I, but God hears my prayers anyway.
If you say that you're not articulate enough: In other words, you don't know what to pray. I suspect that this is the real problem in many cases. Either we feel we'll be judged by others in the group, and fall short of their expectations, or we feel inadequate to represent the rest of the group as we stand before God.
- I don't know your group; they may judge you harshly. But I think that in most cases, this is more of a perceived problem than a real probability. Your effort will be appreciated. Many will just be glad they're not the ones praying out loud.
- I do know God. Pray earnestly and He will not be disappointed.
Ask: "What do we think about that that last point ' I'm not articulate enough- I never know what to pray.' " - Pause for discussion
Discussion Block #5
Ask: "What do you think some of the 'dos' and 'do nots' of public praying might be?" - Pause for discussion
Remember, You're Praying to God on Behalf of Your Group.
DON'T use this opportunity to show off your Bible knowledge or oratory skill, shame anyone into repentance, advertise your cause or preach a mini sermon.
We've all heard the man that can pray from Genesis to Revelations... using "thees" and "thous," "shalts" and "shalt nots"... addressing God by every name used in the Bible (some in the original language)... calling down fire and brimstone. If this is that man's personality and is the way he prays in his private prayer time, then I say have at it. But if this is a show, being performed to impress others, then it has no place among the assembly of God's people.
DO use this opportunity to approach the Throne of God, and to take the rest of the group with you.
- Thank God for His goodness.
- Pray targeted prayers, mentioning specific people, projects or circumstances as appropriate.
- Pray scripture back to God, use His names, remember His promises.
- You're not all alone with God, but that's not a bad thing.
- Pray with your eyes shut and your hands folded. Pray with your eyes open and your hands raised. Pray from a broken heart or an uplifted spirit. Once you and your group have entered the presence of God, the rest doesn't matter.
Discussion Block #6
Ask: "Suppose I've been convicted, how do I get started?" - Pause for discussion
- Pray in private, first. Tell God your need and ask Him to help.
- Listen to the public prayers of others and learn what you can. Don't duplicate; just learn.
- Anticipate when you might be called upon for impromptu Public Prayer: meal time, Sunday School, Prayer Meetings, little-league games and local events are examples. By doing this, hopefully you won't be unprepared.
- Sometimes you don't have to anticipate - you're asked in advance. Often this happens in more formal settings and when there will be larger crowds. Do it! This shows that you were selected on purpose and with fore thought, not by random chance.
- Prepare. It's OK to rehearse. Rehearsing a prayer is the same as praying! God's listening.
- When the time comes, use whatever tricks you have to avoid being overly nervous. Trust God to help you. Know that your sacrifice is pleasing to the Lord.
Ask: "What would you add to this list?" - Pause for discussion
- Close in prayer, thanking God for the Christian fellowship that you're enjoying, asking Him for traveling mercies for your group and mentioning any other petitions and praises that God lays upon your heart. Offer others the opportunity to add their public prayers.
- Encourage participants to view this study in its original format at www.squidoo.com/praying-in-public where they can print it, bookmark it, Facebook like it, Tweet it, forward it to a friend, etc.
- My public prayer is that you and your group will be blessed the next time that you have the opportunity to Pray Aloud and In Public.
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About ToTheBrimm
My Prayer
My prayer is that you and your group will be blessed the next time that you have the opportunity to Pray Aloud and In Public.
by ToTheBrimm
I needed a devotional for a Mens' Outting that my Church was sponsoring - this site is the web version of that devotional. It was well received; I hop... more »
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