It is the common assumption that churchgoers are prayers. This is not true. Sure you get the select bunch of people who make a point of praying to God every day. But there is a huge group of people who don't and they are sitting in your church.
Praying for them is not as effective as them praying for themselves.
Preaching sermons in telling people to pray simply isn't enough. Being the minister, who says all the prayers, in all the allocated slots in the order of service, is definitely good and needed, but its not enough.
It is our duty as worship leaders to create connection slots within our corporate worship where the congregation confess their own sins (in silent, but if prayed aloud - stand by with the riot squad), intercede for those they know who need Jesus, pray for themselves, and give thanks.
Yes, it is my ministry to pray for the people who God brings to my church, but, within my service, it is my privilege to lead them into praying for themselves.
The Bible tells us (in several places) "when YOU pray". It doesn't say "when your minister prays for you".
We are living in the modern era where distraction and fast-paced life is now the norm. Gone are the days where there would be extra time in the day to pray. Sadly, fast-paced living breeds spiritual neglect.
These spiritually neglecting fast-paced people are sitting our churches every Sunday. They have committed 1 hour to sit still. It is in that hour, they need to pray, not only be prayed for.
What if that was the only opportunity in that week they could speak to God about what's on their hearts but we (as leaders) were too afraid to have times of silent pray because its not part of the fast-paced church norm? Those people will not connect with God that week. Resulting in a strong chance that they won't come back.
I have 4 (2 minute) slots in my services where I lead the people into praying for themselves. Like this (in no particular order):
• Confess your sins and ask God to forgive you (silent and private prayer).
• Thank God for what He is doing and has done in your life (invite people to pray aloud if the wish. Its good for others to hear this).
• Pray for those whom you know who need Jesus right now! (Also silent prayer).
• Pray for your concerns and requests. (Silent prayer).
In doing this, people are personally connecting with God again. THEY ARE TALKING TO GOD! And that's our role as church leaders. Get people to talk to God. Create connection slots.
I've had people tell me how they have started praying during the week because of how they were able to connect with God (for the first time or once again) in the service. There was even a man who became a Christian because he started talking to God. He said, "I didn't have anything else to do in those quiet moments, so I tried praying. It worked."
Isn't that what we're supposed to be doing... Creating praying disciples?
I have seen a tremendous spiritual rejuvenation and uplifting spring up within the congregation. My church is growing. Not because I have said anything but because they got to speak to God. Its a beautiful thing!
Create connection slots between people and God in your services. Let them feel how wonderful it is to speak to God for themselves and they will start slowing down their own fast-paced to speak to God more.
