The problem with an unspoken prayer request is that it lets people assume things.
Me: Anyone else has a prayer request?
Silent Bob: Yeah, I have an unspoken prayer request.
Me (my imagination): Hmm...he probably needs prayer because he started cooking and dealing crystal meth after he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. He does seem thinner. I bet he'll grow a goatee and shave his head...
Did I just describe the plot to Breaking Bad? Maybe.
But the main problem with an unspoken prayer request is that it doesn't allow for fellowship. If we never confess our sins to each other and if we don't help each other with our struggles, it's really hard to heal.
Showing posts with label prayer request. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer request. Show all posts
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
#29. Not having a prayer request during a small group
It was a heart-breaking small group meeting. Everyone opened up about their issues. Tears came out. Tears came out, I said. One by one, each person shared a part of their hearts and now they're all sharing prayer requests. As they take turns and you await yours, you realize that you really have no pressing matter to bring up to the group. There's no real emergency right now in your life, plus your spouse already talked about the things that affect both of you.
But what do you do? Are you going to be the only one in the room without a prayer request? Are they going to think that you think you're better than them? Did your spouse just elbow you? Unless you're a prayer hero, then you know what I'm talking about.
If you have ever found yourself in this situation you are not alone. Sometimes, you just can't think of a pressing matter to say. But alas, you have to fear no more. I give you the official Making Up Prayer Request Guideline (or MUPRG). The higher your score, the more chances you have of succeeding in this desperate situation. What would work for you?
The MUPRG Scorecard
1-You go for the classic, "I need to spend more time in the Word," request. = +2 points
2-You ask to please pray for your pastors, elders, deacons, youth leaders, parking volunteers, janitor and even the stray cat. = +4 points
3-You stare at the ceiling and pretend you're having some sort of revelation. = -2 points
4-You mention a Greek word and explain how that relates to your life in prayer. = +1 point
5-You say that you don't have a specific request because your whole life is a prayer to God. = -3 points
6-They encourage you to be open, that it's okay and you need not be afraid. = +2 points
7-You go for the classic, "I need more peace in my life," request. = +2 points
8-You say that, as you give a dirty look to your spouse. = +3 points
9-You ask everyone to hold hands and please pray for you. = +4 points
10-You don't say anything, but you silently shed one single tear. =+7 points
If you were in this situation, what would your score be?
But what do you do? Are you going to be the only one in the room without a prayer request? Are they going to think that you think you're better than them? Did your spouse just elbow you? Unless you're a prayer hero, then you know what I'm talking about.
If you have ever found yourself in this situation you are not alone. Sometimes, you just can't think of a pressing matter to say. But alas, you have to fear no more. I give you the official Making Up Prayer Request Guideline (or MUPRG). The higher your score, the more chances you have of succeeding in this desperate situation. What would work for you?
The MUPRG Scorecard
1-You go for the classic, "I need to spend more time in the Word," request. = +2 points
2-You ask to please pray for your pastors, elders, deacons, youth leaders, parking volunteers, janitor and even the stray cat. = +4 points
3-You stare at the ceiling and pretend you're having some sort of revelation. = -2 points
4-You mention a Greek word and explain how that relates to your life in prayer. = +1 point
5-You say that you don't have a specific request because your whole life is a prayer to God. = -3 points
6-They encourage you to be open, that it's okay and you need not be afraid. = +2 points
7-You go for the classic, "I need more peace in my life," request. = +2 points
8-You say that, as you give a dirty look to your spouse. = +3 points
9-You ask everyone to hold hands and please pray for you. = +4 points
10-You don't say anything, but you silently shed one single tear. =+7 points
If you were in this situation, what would your score be?
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