“…that the church may receive edifying.”

In Remembrance Of Me “…that the church may receive edifying.” Offering suggestions for young men so they can better serve in the assembly of the local church of Christ

An opening observation… • Notice the teaching in 1 Cor 14 • Context = the use/practice of spiritual gifts possessed by the Corinthians, especially in their public worship assemblies • Use of spiritual gift was to “edify the church”vv. 5, 26, 40 OUR THEME

Leading Public Prayer • There are certain principles to be remembered that govern prayer • Principles that apply to both private and public prayers…but esp. public • Only those who have obeyed the gospel have the right of prayer…can call God “Father” 1 Pet 3:12 Gal 3:26

Leading Public Prayer • There are certain principles to be remembered that govern prayer • Principles that apply to both private and public prayers…but esp. public • Those who pray must be righteous Jas 5:16 • Especially when praying for others • Unrighteous people “won’t avail much” in prayer

Leading Public Prayer • There are certain principles to be remembered that govern prayer • Principles that apply to both private and public prayers…but esp. public • Prayers are not for “self-glory” Mt 6:5-8 • The very nature of praying admits dependence • Praying “to be seen of men” is empty, shallow

Leading Public Prayer • Some practical suggestions to keep in mind when praying publicly… • Proper voice volume • Speak to be heard • Others will want to be able to say the “Amen” with you cp. 1 Cor 14:16

Leading Public Prayer • Some practical suggestions to keep in mind when praying publicly… • Use the amplification system • Come to the front, use the microphone • If people are standing, use the podium mic • If people are sitting, can use the Lord’s Table mic • Be considerate of our aged brethren

Leading Public Prayer • Some practical suggestions to keep in mind when praying publicly… • The proper prayer for the proper occasion • What is an appropriate opening prayer? • What should be said in the closing prayer? • What should be prayed when we’re serving at the Lord’s Table?

Leading Public Prayer • Some things to avoid when praying publicly… • Trying to pray like someone else (father, etc) • Speaking only for self – you’re leading others • Vain repetitions cp. Mt 6:7 • “Traditional” phrases that are over-used

Leading Public Prayer • Prayers recorded in the Bible • Examining prayers found in the Scripture would help improve prayers we publicly lead • Daniel Dan 9:3-19 • Nehemiah Neh 1:4-11 • Model prayer taught by Jesus Mt 6:9-13

Leading Public Prayer • From the previous examples, we see proper elements of a Scriptural prayer • Proper address Ù pray to the Father cp. Eph 1:15-17 Jn 16:23 • No passages teach us to pray to Jesus • Praise to God Ù He is worthy, deserving cp. Eph 1:3 Deut 4:7

Leading Public Prayer • From the previous examples, we see proper elements of a Scriptural prayer • Thanksgiving for blessings Ù only fitting to show gratitude cp. 1 Thess 5:17-18 • Confession of sin Ù necessary for forgiveness, to maintain a relationship with God, others cp. 1 Jn 1:8-10 1 Pet 3:7

Leading Public Prayer • From the previous examples, we see proper elements of a Scriptural prayer • Requests (Petitions) Ù for basic needs… ours & others’ cp. Mt 6:9-13 5:44 Col 1:9 1 Tim 2:1-2 Rom 10:1 Col 4:2-4 • Proper ending Ù “In Jesus’ name” cp. Eph 5:20 Heb 4:14-16 7:25

Leading Public Prayer • Some closing thoughts… • When a prayer is publicly lead, it is one of our most intimate moments in worship • We are talking to God (opp. of reading the Bible) • On behalf of everyone present, a brother is “casting our cares” upon God 1 Pet 5:7

Leading Public Prayer • Some closing thoughts… • The brother who leads an assembly in prayer should remember these points • Through prayer, we draw closer to God cp. Heb 10:19-22 • As spiritual siblings, we’ll draw closer to each other also

“…that the church may receive edifying.”