Do you utilize classic or formal prayers?

[Kami Tuenning]

Although spontaneous, original prayer has always been the norm for me, I have grown fond over the years for classic prayers or formalized prayers such as those found in prayer books, matins or vespers. As a matter of fact, during my desert times, I have willed myself to pray such prayers, when my own thoughts and words either were dry as dust or simply would not come. How many of you include classic prayers in your dialogue with God? If so, what are some of your favorites?

Secondly, in your opinion and understanding of scripture, what theological precedence might support daily use of these meditations?

[David Graham]

In my private devotional times, mostly no..... although I have prayed through various issues using the Lord's prayer as my "template".

Sometimes in our services we also pray written or traditional prayers, particularly during the more formal services of Holy Communion. At the very least on those occassions we recite the Lord's prayer.

[Susan Unger]

Usually everyday, I will post on my facebook page a prayer from either the Book of Common Prayer or the Revised Common Lectionary. I do this to bring a bit of God, peace, joy and/or comfort into peoples' lives, some of whom I haven't seen since high school. Some regularly let me know that they are blessed by such prayers. Others will be people from out the blue whom I would never expect will click on that they like the prayer.

I didn't grow up with them as a part of private or public worship, but the last few years I have really come to appreciate them. I enjoy them in church and the last few days have considered maybe incorporating them more in my devotional time.

I haven't really thought too much about what theological precedence might support daily use of them, I just know that they bless people and am happy with that.

[John Kennedy]

Although spontaneous, original prayer has always been the norm for me, I have grown fond over the years for classic prayers or formalized prayers such as those found in prayer books, matins or vespers. As a matter of fact, during my desert times, I have willed myself to pray such prayers, when my own thoughts and words either were dry as dust or simply would not come. How many of you include classic prayers in your dialogue with God? If so, what are some of your favorites?

Secondly, in your opinion and understanding of scripture, what theological precedence might support daily use of these meditations?

I normally include a collect from the BCP ("Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open......) and the Lord's Prayer - I pray them as written, phrase by phrase, and then paraphrase them. I also use a prayer, the beginning of which I think I found on NazNet. It begins, "I come to you as to a Father who loves his children and desires what is best for them.....". I've kind of added to it these words: "A Father, who, knowing his children would lead them to what is best; A Father who, having all power in heaven and earth, can provide what is best......" So far I feel I'm on solid ground theologically.
I then add these words: "and I pray, in the name of the Risen and Living Jesus, that the same power that brought him from the grave would be at work in my heart and life, working through the circumstances and situations of my life to bring that which is for my good and God's glory."
In regard to the second question, are you seriously suggesting that people start thoughtfully reading formal prayers instead of reciting the carefully memorized extemporaneous prayers that have been in use for so long?

[Eric Frey]

I don't sing original songs... does that make them less meaningful? The recognition that some people are more gifted than me in a particular area is to be commended... I think. We have several prayers in our service: Prayer of Confession, Prayer of Adoration, Prayer of Illumination, Prayer for our children, Collect of the Day, Petitions, Lord's Prayer, Prayer of Thanksgiving. Of those, only the prayer for our children and the Petitions is a "spontaneous" prayer that I pray. The rest are pre-written: sometimes by me, other times they are "classic" prayers from various worship sources.

[David Graham]

During our pastoral prayer time last sunday (yesterday), I asked the people to bow their heads in silent prayer and personal reflection, and while they did this I "felt lead" to sing the Lord's prayer Acapello. At the end of this song, the congregation was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop, and then I lead the people in a time of formal prayer. I was told afterwards that the song was powerful and many within the congregation were in tears (and no I don't think that my singing was that bad;:ihe_cowboy: I have had voice training and have been invited to sing solo on many different occassions)...... It would seem that the Holy Spirit moved upon us in a very meaningful way yesterday. I feel priveleged to have had a part in that.

[Kami Tuenning]

We have a Lutheran friend who sings the words of consecration over the Lord's Supper. He wrote the melody..modern, yet spare and simple. After the congregation receives, there is a unison part which everyone sings together in thanksgiving. It is powerful how familiar words, sung, can pierce the depths of our hearts, bringing new awareness and appreciation to their meaning.

[Susan Unger]

We have a Lutheran friend who sings the words of consecration over the Lord's Supper. He wrote the melody..modern, yet spare and simple. After the congregation receives, there is a unison part which everyone sings together in thanksgiving. It is powerful how familiar words, sung, can pierce the depths of our hearts, bringing new awareness and appreciation to their meaning.Sounds beautiful :)