Have you ever given much consideration to the number of prayers offered in a Church service? Or why exactly the prayers are ordered the way they are? Most people have probably never pondered the methodology behind this element of worship. If you are like me, then once you understand why something is done a certain way it becomes more meaningful, and you will garner a greater appreciation.
The model for prayer within the church has been relatively consistent throughout history. There are of course a variety of differences in the number of prayers, the structure of prayers, and the types of prayers delivered in a worship service. Some speak extemporaneously, others read written prayers, (i.e., the Lord's Prayer, Book of Common Prayer, etc.), while a combination of the two are sometimes preferred. Nevertheless, if one were to observe any Bible believing church, he would inevitably hear at least four common prayers. Think about your worship service last Sunday. Did you have four different prayers? If so, can you name them?
In case you are unable to recall, the model for prayer in a church service includes the Prayer of Invocation, the Pastoral Prayer, the Prayer of Illumination, and the Closing Prayer.
1. The Prayer of Invocation. This prayer is so called because it is a calling upon of the name of God, asking for His presence in the worship service. The Lord promises that if we call upon His name, He will hear our prayers (Jeremiah 29:12).
2. The Pastoral Prayer or Prayer of Confession. We are commanded to confess our sins, and are given the promise that God will be faithful and just to forgive us of our sins (1 John 1:9). Furthermore, our relationship with God is hindered because of our iniquities, and we must name our sins before coming to the throne of Christ. We do this first by asking for the Lord's forgiveness and then proceed to petition for others.
3. Prayer of Illumination. Depending on the church and the order of service, this prayer is normally delivered after the reading of Scripture but before the sermon. It is used as an opportunity to ask the Lord to help the minister present clarity and truth and to aid the congregation to receive the Word of God.
4. Closing Prayer. This prayer is rendered after the sermon has been delivered. It is used as a time to ask God to bless the congregation and to seek the Lord's protection until the Christians gather again.
It should be noted that the preacher is not analogous to the high priest of the Old Testament in that he alone is the mediator between God and His people. We have direct access to God through Jesus Christ our Great High Priest (Heb 4:14), and we are not simply to listen idly or to have our minds wonder aimlessly while the preacher waxes eloquently. Instead, it is also our time to call upon the name of God, confess our sins, ask Him to give us ears to hear and eyes to see, and ask the Lord that we would not soon forget what we learned during the service. If we perform these four prayers, then we remain consistent with the historic model of prayer used during a worship service.
