PRAYER EXPERIENCE
PRAYER EXPERIENCE - COMMUNICATION CHECKLIST
LEADER PREPARATION NOTES
The Prayer Experience is typically the most dramatic turning point in your group. Do your best to prioritize this experience and do whatever you can to get everyone there. Plan out the way you’re going to begin the experience so it is different than a normal gathering (music, location, set up). Have your print outs for the guided prayer time ready and then finally have the meal ready to break the fast once your individual pray time has finished.
I’d highly encourage you to consider fasting as a group. Agree on the duration and what's still on the table. I typically choose to start 24 hours before the group normal start time. Fast, avoid eating any food and allow water. Fasting is all about controlling our desires. When we choose to willfully overpower a desire for something we need (like food), we’re more capable of controlling our willpower over something we only want. Especially in those moments of fasting too that we can realize just how much our hunger is Spiritual. When we satisfy our spiritual needs in focused connection with God through prayer, we can better tell the difference between our physical hunger and spiritual hunger.
GUIDED PRAYER
The Facilitators book offers some great suggestions in the appendix (p.95) & in the middle of the book after the week 3 discussion guide. Come with a plan. For many people this will be by far the longest they have prayed in one sitting and giving a tangible printed guide will help make for a great experience. Print enough for everyone in your group. Here are a few options for you to determine the best fit for your group or to offer a few so people can choose from them.
PRINT
Facilitators Guided Prayer Plan
Extended Prayer Plan
Guided Prayer Plan
- Date - Consider how this effects the flow of their daily devotions and your weekly discussion.
- Time - Clarify how the 2-3 hours is broken up.
- Location - Make sure there’s room to spread out, consider removing distractions (see below)
- Fasting specifics (see below).
- Meal - involve your group, assign someone to bring a meal or potluck style. Have a plan.
- Childcare - You already handle this regularly, but advance plan for any special accommodations.
- What to bring: Printed Bibles, notebooks, Rooted books, pen, other devotional materials, location-specific clothing. (see below for guide prayer handouts)
- Technology - You might want to collect phones during prayer. Try to help people put themselves in a situation where they can disconnect.
LEADER PREPARATION NOTES
The Prayer Experience is typically the most dramatic turning point in your group. Do your best to prioritize this experience and do whatever you can to get everyone there. Plan out the way you’re going to begin the experience so it is different than a normal gathering (music, location, set up). Have your print outs for the guided prayer time ready and then finally have the meal ready to break the fast once your individual pray time has finished.
I’d highly encourage you to consider fasting as a group. Agree on the duration and what's still on the table. I typically choose to start 24 hours before the group normal start time. Fast, avoid eating any food and allow water. Fasting is all about controlling our desires. When we choose to willfully overpower a desire for something we need (like food), we’re more capable of controlling our willpower over something we only want. Especially in those moments of fasting too that we can realize just how much our hunger is Spiritual. When we satisfy our spiritual needs in focused connection with God through prayer, we can better tell the difference between our physical hunger and spiritual hunger.
GUIDED PRAYER
The Facilitators book offers some great suggestions in the appendix (p.95) & in the middle of the book after the week 3 discussion guide. Come with a plan. For many people this will be by far the longest they have prayed in one sitting and giving a tangible printed guide will help make for a great experience. Print enough for everyone in your group. Here are a few options for you to determine the best fit for your group or to offer a few so people can choose from them.
Facilitators Guided Prayer Plan
Extended Prayer Plan
Guided Prayer Plan