When you assemble, one has a hymn, another some instruction to give, still another a revelation to share, one speaks in a tongue, another interprets. Let all things be done to build up the community. 1Cor. 14:26
A charismatic prayer meeting consists of a group of people from varying backgrounds who meet in an atmosphere of love and support for one another in an effort to grow in the knowledge and love of God, and to show this love in their attitude to their neighbor. Each prayer meeting is open to anyone who wants to come.
The prayer meeting has been a place where many people have found a new dimension to their spiritual lives and have discovered the love of God in a more profound way.
The meeting takes place in a relaxed atmosphere where joy and the love of God is emphasized, and where everyone is welcomed. God is praised with enthusiasm.
Praise focuses on the utter goodness of God and celebrates his goodness in our lives. “Rejoice in the Lord always,” said Paul (Phil 4:4). We believe our joy should be expressed often in praise.
Large parts of the prayer meeting are quiet. Silence forms an important part of the worship periods, and people are encouraged to listen to what the Lord is saying to them. Some will sense that God has a message of encouragement, exhortation, or consolation for the group, and will feel moved to speak this out. This is known as the gift of prophecy.
The Word of God in Scripture is read and listened to, and regular teaching on Scripture and aspects of the Christian life instructs and helps people to grow in their spiritual life. There is much variety in the prayer meeting.
Elements of a Prayer Meeting are:
- Praise and Worship
God is praised in song and prayer for his majesty, his love and his faithfulness, and thanked for his grace in our lives. This praise and thanksgiving may be in words, songs or through that way of praying without words known as ‘praying in tongues,’ as a form of contemplative prayer. This form of contemplative prayer follows a long Catholic contemplative tradition. St Teresa of Avila wrote of a form of prayer which she called “jubilation” — “a strange prayer I don’t understand.” She called it “a deep union of the faculties” and that “all [the soul’s] activity is directed to this praise (Interior Castle 6.6.10). - Prophecy
Someone may speak an exhortation or word of encouragement from God, through the Holy Spirit. The group discerns this word in the light of Scripture and the Catholic tradition. - Scripture
Someone may share a brief passage of Scripture. - Teaching
A speaker may give a short talk on one of a variety of subjects aimed at helping us to know God and to lead better Christian lives. - Intercession
There will usually be times of intercession for the needs of the world, the Church, parish and home. Prayer for healing is always available for those who ask for it. - Witness
Someone may relate how they have experienced God working in their life, and how God has blessed them and changed them.
The Prayer meeting will be held at St. Patrick’s Hall, 650 Pennington Ave. on March 24, 2020 at 6:30pm. All are welcome. No registration required.