Interesting Questions-53

"Saying prayers the right way"

Letter to the Editor:
PASUGO, November 1998, p.2

I HAVE BEEN invited several times to your Bible studies and worship services. During your worship services I noticed that only one person says the prayer while the rest of the congregation close their eyes and answer "Amen"  Why do you say your prayers in this manner?

Joyce Cabarle
Iloilo City, Philippines

Editor's reply:

Praying to God is part of the congregational worship of the true Church. In his letter to the Christians in Corinth, Apostle Paul  wrote:

This is what I mean, my brothers. When you meet for worship, one person has a hymn, another a teaching, another a revelation from God, another a message in strange tongues, and still another the explanation of what is said. Everything must be of help to the church.

What should I do, then? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray also with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will sing also with my mind. (1 Corinthians 14:26, 15, TEV)

Prayer is the means by which a congregation or an individual communicate with the Creator. It should be done with propriety and order (I Cor. 14:40). Thus, when the congregation prays, especially during worship services, only one leads the prayer  while the worshipers say "Amen" (I Cor. 14:16) to express agreement to and affirmation of what is being said.  Worshipers close their eyes while praying so as to avoid distractions and to focus their attention or thoughts on the prayers. To such prayers by His people who wholeheartedly seek Him, God promises to listen (Jer. 29:12-13).

Everything must be done in a proper and orderly way. (1 Cor.14:40, TEV)

When you give thanks to God in spirit only, how can an ordinary person taking part in the meeting say "Amen" to your prayer of thanksgiving? He has no way of knowing what you are saying. (1 Corinthians 14:16, TEV)

Then you will call to me. You will come and pray to me, and I will answer you. You will seek me, and you will find me because you will seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:12-13, TEV)

__________________

Note: Verses in smaller font were added for clarity. Emphasis ours.

Bible Study Suggestion: If you have further questions, please feel free to visit the Iglesia ni Cristo congregation nearest you. A minister or an evangelical worker would be happy to answer any biblical question you have in mind.