Few things so terrify most Lutherans than being asked to pray aloud in front of other people without having a written prayer in hand. My last confirmation class was responsible for offering a prayer at the beginning of class and before eating. None of them had the least problem. In fact, they would vie with one another for the opportunity. I was so proud of them that when the Bishop came to visit, I asked them to say grace. None of them would do it. The problem was that they were in front of a crowd of adults. They had no difficulty praying with their peers, but couldn’t bring themselves to do it in front of people who might judge them. I don’t know why we’re afraid of what others think when aren’t afraid of what God will think of our prayer.
 

I recommend people have a pattern for prayer that they can adjust for each occasion. Start as we always do by calling on God, ( for example, “Heavenly Father.) Thank God for this particular opportunity to pray (“We thank you for bringing this committee together again”). Or praise God (“You always hear us and grant us more than we could ask for”). Ask for something (“Guide us in our deliberations today”). Give a purpose for the request (“So that we might glorify you in our decisions.”) Close the prayer (We ask this in Jesus’ name”). And everybody adds “Amen.” Easy.

Don’t hesitate the next time someone asks you, “Would you open the meeting with prayer?”

Read Philippians 4:4-7, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne