(Today is another great guest post from Gabriel Lytle! Check him out on Twitter too @gaberuski!)
If you’re not already cringing, then you may be what some would call a “sneaky snake.” (words chosen purposefully)
We’ve all been there.
They’ve just finished up weekly home group, the end draws near, the night is almost over and that can only mean one thing:
Time to pray. Out loud.
Your leader peers around the circle, and everyone is already saying a small prayer, “Please God, don’t pick me.”
One to play the Houdini card?
Here are 5 subtle moves to get out of dodge (Unless you’ve got Enoch-level clearance and can literally disappear):
- Put your head down, slowly. Don’t drop too fast, or he’ll pick you for being so eager to pray.
- Look prayerful, with eyes of terror. Make that face that let’s him know absolutely nothing is going on upstairs. It may help to have already royally screwed up a group question early in the night. “Psh, he’s not praying us out.”
- Start crying.
- Utilize anything that covers your face: hoodie, hands, or if you’re a glowing Moses, opt for the veil.
- It’s risky, but open your Bible (getting everyone’s attention), scan the pages, close your Bible, then shamefully shake your head. Your group leader will think, “He’s got nothing.”
In the (conspicuously frequent) event that you DO get picked, here are 5 how to tips on how to give an amazing group prayer:
- Repeat verbatim the prayer requests in order. They’re like packaged prayers. If you’re confident, turn the tablets by assigning them to others.
- Be sure to say “God” before and after every single word. Sometimes twice in a row. Won’t make sense in normal conversation, but somehow works in public prayer.
- Start crying.
- Open with, “Hey Daddy.” No one will like it, but they’ll all be thinking, “Wow. He’s actually speaking to someone.”
- Summarize the last worship song the group sang,
“God. You are the everlasting God. I’m talking, the everlasting God. You don’t even faint or take power naps. You defend the weak, like us (then chuckle). You comfort those in need, like us (touch the nearest leg). You lift us up on wings, wings like…eagles.”
I pray this helps. If anyone needs anything, Jon will be taking all “unspokens.”
Group members, have YOU ever done this?
What advice do you have for public prayer time?
