Participating in God’s
inner conversation
When we struggle with prayer,
it is time to embrace that God is acting.
The engine of the church is prayer.
Once we realize that many of us are fearful of sharing prayers out loud together, we can begin to embrace that God is the active agent in our prayers.
“I know that it is difficult for many individuals to consider speaking their prayers out loud. This is a common struggle. It is ok if you feel this way. However, as we learn to share our prayers together, the church matures, we are strengthened, and comfort is experienced.”
Matthew J. Skolnik
Muskingum Valley Presbytery
What to expect
This workshop has been carefully designed to help you develop the peace, confidence, and skills to pray with and for others.
When you arrive you will experience 3 major topics throughout the workshop.
ASSURANCE IN PRAYER
We often think that the life of faith is our work. But everything about faith is the work of God. This is the heartbeat of grace. Learn what the Bible teaches about prayer and how God is actively involved.
STRUCTURES OF PRAYER
Often we are fearful of praying out loud because we do not know what we should say. However, once we learn to pray within themes, our prayers become natural. We do not have to invent prayers. We simply work within what has been given to us.
EXPERIENCING PRAYER
As the workshop unfolds, participants will find low-key and simple ways to experience pray out loud with one another. As the day progresses, you will find yourself growing in comfort and ability.
What people are saying
Don’t take our word for it – here’s the buzz:
I loved when we I felt confident enough to pray for someone else’s concern.
Others should participate because when it’s over you feel so confident and at ease saying a prayer out loud.
Matt eased my fears by letting me know I don’t have to impress anyone with my prayers.
Matt stretched us in incremental and well planned ways, in a very short time.
The best part of the day was when Matt told me that Jesus takes my imperfect prayers and changes them to perfect prayers, then offers them to God.
I loved that we tried different ways to practice saying prayers. It was helpful, and not overwhelming.
I learned that others have the same fears about praying out loud as I do! Knowing others feel what I feel is comforting. They are trying to overcome the same feelings as me! Many of the methods or ways to overcome fear were helpful!
This was a very good learning experience on how to design and create prayers. It helped me feel closer to God and those who were there.
I am thankful for having this opportunity to grow. Recently, I started writing prayers for our worship services. I never imagined I go do this!