THE SENDING FORTHDismissalChargeBenediction (versus closing prayer)“Service” continues Privately and Publicly Individually, not Corporately

THE CONDUCT OF WORSHIP

Issues of Poise, Visual ImpressionsClerical Garments vs. “The Suit”Clothing and Calling

PUBLIC PRAYER

Read . . . Or Extemporaneous?A Problem with Both! Reading can be stilted, unnatural Extemp. can be repetitious, incomplete People cannot actively join Extemp.

A Benefit to Both! Extemp. comes from pastor’s heart Extemp. resonates with current issues Read prayers are carefully crafted (you are

talking the to King!)

PUBLIC PRAYER

So, what to do?Recognize that both types are legitimate Yes, read prayers go back to synagogue! Consider the Lord’s prayer

Get a good collection of prayers from various booksAvoid ineffectual prayers Prepare adequately- at least an outline Work on Personal prayer life! Develop theology of prayer

PUBLIC PRAYER

L.C. 185: How are we to pray? Answer: We are to pray with an awful apprehension of the majesty of God, and deep sense of our own unworthiness, necessities, and sins; with penitent, thankful, and enlarged hearts; with understanding, faith, sincerity, fervency, love, and perseverance, waiting upon him, with humble submission to his will.

PUBLIC PRAYER

L.C. 183: For whom shall we pray? Answer: We are to pray for the whole church of Christ upon earth; for magistrates, and ministers; for ourselves, our brethren, yea, our enemies; and for all sorts of men living, or that shall live hereafter; but not for the dead, nor for those that are known to have sinned the sin unto death.

FORMS OF PUBLIC PRAYER

Collect: from Latin, collectioFocus is on meaning of a particular Sunday or feastBk. of Common PrayerAlso, Book of Common Worship

Very ancient format (at least back to 4th century) Address to God Ascription of divine

attribute Single petition

(related to theme of day)

Related clause Trinitarian

conclusion or Doxology

FORMS OF PUBLIC PRAYER

A collect may be used in unison as an opening prayerExample from Book of Common Prayer Address- O Lord God

Attribute- Whose blessed Son our Saviour gave his body to be Whipped and his face to be spit upon:

One petition- Give us grace to accept joyfully the sufferings of the present time

Related Clause- Confident of the glory that shall be revealed;

Doxology- Through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen

FORMS OF PUBLIC PRAYER

Prayer of Confession Should be specific Should be corporate,

though silent prayer can be effective after general confession

Calvin led this prayer from communion table (to show its corporate nature)

FORMS OF PUBLIC PRAYER

The Litany (from 4th-5th century) Prayer with repeated congregational

response Lord, Hear our Prayer Lord have mercy We give you thanks, O Lord

Bidding Prayer Minister mentions a concern and allows

time for people to respond in silent prayer

FORMS OF PUBLIC PRAYER

The Morning Prayer Sometimes, the Pastoral Prayer Better still, Prayers of the People Major objections:

Not really a prayer, but a second sermon Not very pastoral; often general, abstract Tries to do everything- does nothing well! Beware repetitious words: “Father,”

“Just”

Just as I am!!

FORMS OF PUBLIC PRAYER

Instead of the Great Long Winded Prayer: Use a number of shorter prayers Concentrate on various acts of worship

Thanksgiving Intercession (prayer for world at large) Petition (local concerns) Confession, etc.