A one word spontaneous prayer circle is a way to encourage spontaneous prayer in a group. The simplicity helps group members participate even if they are a little intimidated by spontaneous prayer.
Have everyone sit in a circle and get comfortable. Explain that you are going to storm heaven with one word prayers. Here are a few guidelines you might want to use:
- Maintain a prayerful attitude
- Only say one word at a time
- Do not say words which are inappropriate
- Do not say words which are designed to get everyone to laugh
- It is OK to repeat a word someone else said if you feel moved to do so
- After you say a word, give a few other people a chance to say something before you say another one
- Say words in a normal voice. It is not necessary to yell.
Give some examples of words which might be used:
- Peace
- Love
- Courage
- Strength
- Patience
- Brotherhood
Have everyone close their eyes. And start with this opening.
Father in heaven, we lift our hearts to you. We have so many things on our minds. Things we are thankful for. Things we are anxious about. Things we don't understand. We offer you words which represent these things. Please use them to open our minds and draw us closer to you.
Quietly tell the group that they may being saying their words. You might want to have a leader or two in the group to get them started.
When you run out of words (or time), then close the prayer.
Lord we are grateful that you listen to our words. We know that you hear us.
Thy will be done.
Thy will be done.
Thy will be done..... (Continue repeating, getting softer each time)
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