Ideas for prayer groups

[Anglewannabe]

I feel an urge to join a prayer group. I have tried googling pray groups in my town with no luck. I plan on calling a few churches in my area to see what they have to offer. So here are my questions/observations and I would like (name removed by moderator)ut/suggestions

1- have attended a few prayer groups in people’s private homes. I have noticed the same thing at all of them. On the outside, the home owner is being a good Catholic opening their home up for prayer, yet on the inside, there always seems to be an agenda where they control things. I have found it was never a group of equals coming together to pray since the home owner will always have the mentality ‘my turf, my rules’ so that is out

2- I do attend bible studies. It is a great way to learn about the bible and share however, there is not so much praying going on since that is not the focus. So I have to wonder how much praying will go on at other bible studies

3- I have a feeling, most of the prayer groups will be charismatic. I have always had a bit of a discomfort with the charismatic movement mainly because I like prayer to be more silent and calm. I have to wonder if giving it a try would maybe be a good idea. If anyone has any experience with the charismatic movement, please share

4- I am semi considering joining a protestant group if I can find one. As much as I strongly disagree with a lot of protestant ideas, I do think a lot of them do open up their hearts to God in a loving way and it would be a good atmosphere to pray in. However, I do have a concern that I will be the ‘Catholic outsider’ and may hear some comments that will make my blood boil.

Angie

 

[robertmidwest]

Angie,

I feel your pain. Especially with points 1 and 4.

I don’t have the answers but here are some suggestions:

1. Clearly define what you want. Do you want to worship God? Do you want to feel close to God? Do you want to experience God in fellowship of others? Are you asking God for something (i.e. and end to abortion)? Problems are much easier to solve when they are clearly defined and broken down to their simplest elements.
2. Read about the nature of prayer. Get a clear understanding of what prayer is and what prayer isn’t.
3. If you are in a group, by definition it will take on the dynamics of group. There will be lonely people there for companionship. There will be bullies. There will be gossip. There will be passive/aggressive behavior. There will be attention seekers. All people are imperfect. When we get together these behaviors come out. Be prepared for it, be patient and gracious when you can and be prepared to hold people accountable when you have to. If there is someone who knows how to handle those dynamics and can run the group that is money in the bank. Look for someone like a teacher, they keep order in a classroom, or a manager who handles employee conflict.

Thoughts to ponder. Let me know what you come up with.

 

[robertmidwest]

Angie,

Check out a prayer called And God Said No by Claudia Minden Weisz.

It is my favorite prayers and I think speaks to the nature of prayer.