Getting started: A model for prayer group meetings

 The outline below is used by several groups praying for schools. If you are beginning to meet as a group - or even if you have been together for a while, you may find this outline helpful as you pray.

Open in prayer, then

Explain what you are hoping to do. Encourage group members to pray aloud very simply so that everyone can join them in their prayer by saying Amen to it. However if anyone doesn't feel able to do that they are not to worry! God hears all our prayers - silent or spoken. But remember that everyone who prays aloud had to start at some time - so this meeting may be the time to have a go

Bible reading

Before the meeting, choose an appropriate verse or passage and share inspiration for prayer from it.
For example, you could use the following verse:‘Whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.’ Phil 4.8
Suggest people use something from this verse to thank God for his love and care, all the good things in the school, answered prayers since last meeting, etc.


Thanksgiving prayers
It's a good idea to keep a notebook to record prayer requests and answers to prayer for thanksgiving.


Intercessions for specific needs/issues of school
This includes prayer for pupils, staff and events. If possible send a note or email to prayer group members and school contacts before each meeting to gather topics for thanksgiving and prayer. You can then have a list prepared for people to look at as they pray.
To maximise prayer time, verbalise these requests (and any other ones not on the list) as prayers, rather than talking about them first and then praying.

Prayer in pairs for your own children
You could spend some time praying for your children or those you know personally in the school.

Finish with the Grace
If you meet more than once a term, a good idea is to fix meeting dates for a whole term in advance so saving valuable prayer time!


(Adapted from an article by the Cheltenham Prayer for Schools Network)