On Prayers of the People in Partisan Times
A conversation on public intercession
On General Intercessions: “The Prayer…is an ancient way of praying, placing our condition before our God. It needs to be strong in its rhythm, giving support to the feeling of a community at prayer, a community directed to the service of the world. It is the prayer of the church and should feel and sound like it.” Gabe Huck, Liturgy with Style and Grace, 81 (1984).
Look at theme/passages of day. Ask the Lord for timely wisdom & knowledge in leading the congregation in prayer. We pray according to the riches of God’s word. (Bonhoeffer)
Praying is not trying to make a point to the people, but presenting the needs of the people to God. This is particularly difficult during times of controversy. When wisdom and understanding evade us, it is wise to make space for silent intercessions to allow for the sighs of the Spirit to intercede through us. (Romans 8.26).
Addressing current events is important. Prayer concerns itself with the here and now, not just the sweet by-and-by. Instead of being reactive and pushing-our-agenda petitions, praying God’s word is to be preferred. For instance, “Father, we know you have said that you oppose the proud and give grace to the humble. Please give your grace to those who are currently suffering in _________.” Or, “Lord, you say, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God,’ Lord, guide our leaders and the leaders of _______ and __________ in the way of true and lasting peace.”
One of my favorite churches in the world is Bethlehem Church just outside central Copenhagen, Denmark. Bethlehem has strong pastoral leadership but not the kind that stands in the way of the whole people of God joining in. The church building has a small footprint but soaring rafters. The people fill both spaces. I asked the old priest, Ole Skjerbæk Madsen, about this dynamic. He said during most of the year, the congregation is encouraged to pray out loud for real things in their and others’ lives. They are more interested in the congregation’s voice than in professional singers. They take time to pray for healing and experience it. Bethlehem Church is active, but Pastor Ole said their activity looks different during election seasons. They don’t stop praying, but they do stop praying out loud. For the weeks before Election Day, the Church prays for their nation silently. He smirked and said, “During election season, it is nearly impossible for people not to go on a prayer campaign. They aren’t so much bringing their requests before God as they are trying to convince their fellow worshippers of who a true believer would vote for.”
What other considerations come to mind in shaping intercessions that are actual Prayers of the People in these times?
Amen-!