Leading Public Prayers
Aim: to equip the participants with the skills needed to begin to write public prayers
In leading intercessions and other public prayers we are giving voice to the concerns, hopes and fears of the congregation. No one can lead public prayers without being someone who prays, and is sensitive to the needs of the world, community, family and friends. But leading public intercessions isn’t a matter of making your own private prayers public either! You also need to frame the intercessions in the setting of the theme of the day.
Learning to write intercessions
There is not one “correct” way of leading intercessions but different styles suitable for different kinds of services and occasions. Using silence in a family service crowded with children is more difficult than at a midweek Eucharist. There are differing degrees of formality and intimacy – which is where your discernment is important.
Can't I just read them out of the prayer book?
During the intercessions and sermon we have an opportunity to root our worship in our everyday lives. If the worship is to be sincere it is therefore vital that the intercessions reflect the needs and concerns of the congregation. In the pattern offered by the Church in Wales there is an emphasis on keeping a balance between praying for various topics, we pray for others as well as ourselves, for the world as well as for our community and country.
DISCUSS: Either in the large group or in pairs discuss your response to the different forms of prayer and intercession you have heard in Church. What difference does it make to mention specific situations people and places by name?