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What is a Charismatic Prayer Meeting?
Praise, Honor, and Glory are Yours, Lord Jesus Christ!
Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in their midst. Matt18:19-20
Unity in Purpose - Power in Prayer
The following series of questions and answers to the question; "What is a
Charismatic Prayer Meeting?" was developed in response to the visible need for
some direction and clarification for people attending or leading a Charismatic Prayer
Meeting. These are meant to be guidelines for the growth and development of a
Charismatic Prayer Meeting, and although the Holy Spirit may move in a variety of
expressions of Christ in various Prayer Meetings, if there are not certain of these
elements contained within the context of the meeting, perhaps it is not a
"Charismatic" Prayer Meeting that the Lord Jesus is forming.
We pray with you that the Holy Spirit will continue to cause us to be attentive to the
tasks the Lord has given us. We pray we will all strive to be an active part of the Body
of Christ committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, seeking to serve Him and His
Body in the gifts of the Spirit with all boldness and humility and continuing to grow in
the love and knowledge of our God. All this we pray, Father, in confidence that it is in
perfect accord with Your will for us as Your children. In Jesus' name we thank you.
Amen.
What is a Charismatic Prayer Meeting?
A "Charismatic Prayer Meeting" is a weekly gathering of Christians to give praise,
thanks, honor, and love to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. It's a time we gather
in community, to praise God on a one-to-one basis, as the Holy Spirit moves us.
A prayer meeting is not a discussion club, a therapy session, or a time for counseling.
We come to give our full attention to Jesus‹ through the help of the Holy Spirit (who
will teach us all truth.)
A Prayer Meeting Has Two Purposes: 1. To praise, worship, and honor God 2. To build
up the Body of Christ (as brothers and sisters)
What is the Content of a Charismatic Prayer Meeting?
A gathering song; opening prayer; time of praise and worship; singing; prophecy (God
inspiring someone to speak); tongues (in song, praise, or prophecy); interpretation of
tongues; ministering the Gifts of the Spirit to the people gathered in healing,
miracles, word of knowledge, etc... (see 1 Cor. 12); scripture reading; teaching;
testimony; sharing. (see 1 Cor. 14:26-33)
How Long do Prayer Meetings Last?
Usually a minimum of 1 1/2 hours.
Do I Have to Raise my Hands or Pray Like Others Do?
No you should pray as you feel comfortableas if your were alone with Jesus. Pray
as you feel confortable, but also respect othersthe way they pray and feel
comfortable.
Do I have to Say "Praise the Lord, Alleluia", etc. as others may do?
No you do not have to say or do anything you are not comfortable with. Just keep
open to the Holy Spirit and pray however you wish just PRAY! As we learn why God
wants us to praise, we will desire to change our form of worship, but pray as you
know how.
Is a Prayer Group a Parish Organisation?
It can be. But often, a prayer group is simply made up of individuals that come
together weekly as a family for the purpose of giving Jesus the praise He deserves.
The first and primary purpose of all prayer is to praise and honor the God who
created us and who gives us all the gifts we enjoy each day.
What are the Spiritual Gifts We Pray For?
(see 1 Cor. 12, 13-14 & 1 Cor. 14:1)
Word of Wisdom; Word of Knowledge; Faith; Prophecy; Discernment of Spirits;
Tongues (Acts 2:4); Interpretation; Healing; Miracles.
Is the "Baptism in the Spirit" a New Sacrament?
No. It is the RELEASE of the POWER of the Holy Spirit already within US that we
receive at our Baptism as infants, by faith at our Confirmation, and now in our mature
experience. It helps us to live the Christian life we want to live but had only been
partially successful in doing. We begin to experience a new ability to appreciate
Jesus, the Bible, our daily prayer life, and our faith through this living experience.
Do I Have to Speak at a Prayer Meeting?
No you don't. Simply come to experience the life and love of Jesus, and as we are
listening and praising and continuing to learn, we will find that the Holy Spirit will
work in us to want to give back some of the love we have received through allowing
the Holy Spirit in the use of the Gifts of the Gifts of the Spirit. The people that do
speak are learning to let the Spirit lead them in how and when and what to say in the
meeting.
What is a "Sharing"?
Telling how the Lord is working in your life. It will always be a first-hand experience,
not another person¹s story. If the testimony is led by the Spirit, the result will be that
the center of the testimony will be the honor and glory of Jesus, not the person
sharing. (see John 16:14)
How Can I Grow Spiritually?
First, submit yourself to the Lordship of Jesus in prayer, and talk to God as your loving
Father who wants to teach you. Take time to listen for God to respond to your prayers.
Second, take time every day to read the Word of God, the Bible, to learn about your
Father and the love of Jesus for you, and to learn who God says you are as a part of
His Son Jesus.
Third, act on the new understandings you get from your prayer and Bible reading.
(see Matt. 7:24-27 and James 1:22-25)
Finally, submit yourself to God to become a part of a prayer meeting where other
people are seeking spiritual growth as you are. Apply yourself to learn through
attending the teachings that offered, and God will do the rest.
Is a Charismatic Prayer Meeting Based on the Bible?
Absolutely. Jesus said, "Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in
their midst." (Matt. 18:19-20). See also, 1 Cor. 14:26, Acts 2:42, Rev. 3:20-21, Rev. 22:
17.
Why Do We Sing?
(Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:18-21)
Singing is a way of praying, praising, and worshipping God. St. Augustine said, "He
who sings, prays twice." Songs can turn our hearts and thoughts toward God, and
help us to understand the presence of Jesus if they are well selected. The meeting
should not turn into a songfest. We should PAUSE between songs, readings,
prophecies, etc., and LISTEN. This is the time the Holy Spirit can talk to us. We need
silence to Reflect and allow the Spirit to work.
Why Do Some Greet Others with a Hug?
This is a sign of brotherhood and an action based on our faith that we Do Love with
Jesus' Love. (se 1 Cor. 16-20;2 Cor. 13:12, 1 Thes. 5:26, and 1 Peter 5:14)
Is a Charismatic Prayer Meeting Like a Eucharistic Celebration?
Don't compare one with the other. In a prayer meeting, Jesus is present in a different
way and for a different purpose. Both the Mass and the Charismatic Prayer Meeting
are to bring glory to God as the Body of Christ, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Only, we worship Him from an informal viewpoint, rather than a structured
celebration. At a "Charismatic Mass" we experience the combining of these two
forms of worship.
Where Can I Read Something on the Holy Spirit in the Bible?
John 14:16 and 26; John 16:17 and 13; Acts 1:4 and 8; Acts 2:4, 17, and 38; Acts 4:31;
Acts 5:32; Acts 8:17; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 19:5-6;Romans 5:3-5; Romans 8:1-17,26-27;
1 Cor. 2:6-16; 1 Cor. 3:16; Galatians 5:16-26, and many others.
Is Satan Real?
Yes The Bible, Jesus, and our Church have always taught that Satan is real, but
Jesus has defeated Satan, the devil, for the Children of God, and the life of Jesus will
keep us safe as we learn to obey the Holy Spirit. The Devil misleads us to think he
does not exist so we may hold our guards down and conform to the evil ways that
may be considered "norm" in society.
What is the Importance of Prayer?
See Matt. 7:7, 21-22; Mark 11:22-26; Luke 18:1; Luke 11:1-13; John 15:7, 16; Eph. 6:18-
19; Col. 4:2; 1 Thes. 5:17-18; James 5:16; Rev. 8:3-4; and many more.
What Should I Keep in Mind When Attending Prayer Meetings?
* Come at least four or five times before making a judgement. It takes that long to
understand how the Spirit is working.
* Pray as you feel comfortable (and let others do the same)
* Praying alone we are easily distracted; we support each other at a prayer
meeting.
* Pause between songs, readings, and teachings to allow the Spirit to work.
* Don¹t concentrate on othersconcentrate on Jesus. Close your eyes to
distractions around you and let the Holy Spirit open your spiritual eyes to see
with faith.
* All ages are welcomewe are all children of God.
* Prepare for the meetings, through prayer and scripture.
* Don¹t be afraid, you are with friends. Don¹t let the devil discourage your.
* You will experience the "Fruits of the Spirit" as you progress. (Gal. 5:22; 1 Cor.
12)
* If you do not have an opportunity to speak or share at the meetingsyou may do
so after the meeting with others.
* If you have any questions, please don¹t leave until you get an answer. We love
youand together we love Godand HELP EACH OTHER AS BROTHERS AND
SISTERS.
Praise, Honor, and Glory are Yours, Lord Jesus Christ!
Finally, "My prayer is that your love for each other may increase more and more and
never stop improving your knowledge and deepening your perception so that you may
always recognize what is best. This will help you to become pure and spotless and
prepare for the Day of Christ when you will reach the perfect goodness which Jesus
Christ produces in us for the glory and praise of God." {Phil 1:9-11]
Based on a tract printed by the Charismatic Catholic Renewal Office, Diocese of Oakland, California. P.O. Box
5127, Oakland, CA 94605.
Praise, Honor, and Glory are Yours, Lord Jesus Christ!
Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in their midst. Matt18:19-20
Unity in Purpose - Power in Prayer
The following series of questions and answers to the question; "What is a
Charismatic Prayer Meeting?" was developed in response to the visible need for
some direction and clarification for people attending or leading a Charismatic Prayer
Meeting. These are meant to be guidelines for the growth and development of a
Charismatic Prayer Meeting, and although the Holy Spirit may move in a variety of
expressions of Christ in various Prayer Meetings, if there are not certain of these
elements contained within the context of the meeting, perhaps it is not a
"Charismatic" Prayer Meeting that the Lord Jesus is forming.
We pray with you that the Holy Spirit will continue to cause us to be attentive to the
tasks the Lord has given us. We pray we will all strive to be an active part of the Body
of Christ committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, seeking to serve Him and His
Body in the gifts of the Spirit with all boldness and humility and continuing to grow in
the love and knowledge of our God. All this we pray, Father, in confidence that it is in
perfect accord with Your will for us as Your children. In Jesus' name we thank you.
Amen.
What is a Charismatic Prayer Meeting?
A "Charismatic Prayer Meeting" is a weekly gathering of Christians to give praise,
thanks, honor, and love to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. It's a time we gather
in community, to praise God on a one-to-one basis, as the Holy Spirit moves us.
A prayer meeting is not a discussion club, a therapy session, or a time for counseling.
We come to give our full attention to Jesus‹ through the help of the Holy Spirit (who
will teach us all truth.)
A Prayer Meeting Has Two Purposes: 1. To praise, worship, and honor God 2. To build
up the Body of Christ (as brothers and sisters)
What is the Content of a Charismatic Prayer Meeting?
A gathering song; opening prayer; time of praise and worship; singing; prophecy (God
inspiring someone to speak); tongues (in song, praise, or prophecy); interpretation of
tongues; ministering the Gifts of the Spirit to the people gathered in healing,
miracles, word of knowledge, etc... (see 1 Cor. 12); scripture reading; teaching;
testimony; sharing. (see 1 Cor. 14:26-33)
How Long do Prayer Meetings Last?
Usually a minimum of 1 1/2 hours.
Do I Have to Raise my Hands or Pray Like Others Do?
No you should pray as you feel comfortableas if your were alone with Jesus. Pray
as you feel confortable, but also respect othersthe way they pray and feel
comfortable.
Do I have to Say "Praise the Lord, Alleluia", etc. as others may do?
No you do not have to say or do anything you are not comfortable with. Just keep
open to the Holy Spirit and pray however you wish just PRAY! As we learn why God
wants us to praise, we will desire to change our form of worship, but pray as you
know how.
Is a Prayer Group a Parish Organisation?
It can be. But often, a prayer group is simply made up of individuals that come
together weekly as a family for the purpose of giving Jesus the praise He deserves.
The first and primary purpose of all prayer is to praise and honor the God who
created us and who gives us all the gifts we enjoy each day.
What are the Spiritual Gifts We Pray For?
(see 1 Cor. 12, 13-14 & 1 Cor. 14:1)
Word of Wisdom; Word of Knowledge; Faith; Prophecy; Discernment of Spirits;
Tongues (Acts 2:4); Interpretation; Healing; Miracles.
Is the "Baptism in the Spirit" a New Sacrament?
No. It is the RELEASE of the POWER of the Holy Spirit already within US that we
receive at our Baptism as infants, by faith at our Confirmation, and now in our mature
experience. It helps us to live the Christian life we want to live but had only been
partially successful in doing. We begin to experience a new ability to appreciate
Jesus, the Bible, our daily prayer life, and our faith through this living experience.
Do I Have to Speak at a Prayer Meeting?
No you don't. Simply come to experience the life and love of Jesus, and as we are
listening and praising and continuing to learn, we will find that the Holy Spirit will
work in us to want to give back some of the love we have received through allowing
the Holy Spirit in the use of the Gifts of the Gifts of the Spirit. The people that do
speak are learning to let the Spirit lead them in how and when and what to say in the
meeting.
What is a "Sharing"?
Telling how the Lord is working in your life. It will always be a first-hand experience,
not another person¹s story. If the testimony is led by the Spirit, the result will be that
the center of the testimony will be the honor and glory of Jesus, not the person
sharing. (see John 16:14)
How Can I Grow Spiritually?
First, submit yourself to the Lordship of Jesus in prayer, and talk to God as your loving
Father who wants to teach you. Take time to listen for God to respond to your prayers.
Second, take time every day to read the Word of God, the Bible, to learn about your
Father and the love of Jesus for you, and to learn who God says you are as a part of
His Son Jesus.
Third, act on the new understandings you get from your prayer and Bible reading.
(see Matt. 7:24-27 and James 1:22-25)
Finally, submit yourself to God to become a part of a prayer meeting where other
people are seeking spiritual growth as you are. Apply yourself to learn through
attending the teachings that offered, and God will do the rest.
Is a Charismatic Prayer Meeting Based on the Bible?
Absolutely. Jesus said, "Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in
their midst." (Matt. 18:19-20). See also, 1 Cor. 14:26, Acts 2:42, Rev. 3:20-21, Rev. 22:
17.
Why Do We Sing?
(Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:18-21)
Singing is a way of praying, praising, and worshipping God. St. Augustine said, "He
who sings, prays twice." Songs can turn our hearts and thoughts toward God, and
help us to understand the presence of Jesus if they are well selected. The meeting
should not turn into a songfest. We should PAUSE between songs, readings,
prophecies, etc., and LISTEN. This is the time the Holy Spirit can talk to us. We need
silence to Reflect and allow the Spirit to work.
Why Do Some Greet Others with a Hug?
This is a sign of brotherhood and an action based on our faith that we Do Love with
Jesus' Love. (se 1 Cor. 16-20;2 Cor. 13:12, 1 Thes. 5:26, and 1 Peter 5:14)
Is a Charismatic Prayer Meeting Like a Eucharistic Celebration?
Don't compare one with the other. In a prayer meeting, Jesus is present in a different
way and for a different purpose. Both the Mass and the Charismatic Prayer Meeting
are to bring glory to God as the Body of Christ, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Only, we worship Him from an informal viewpoint, rather than a structured
celebration. At a "Charismatic Mass" we experience the combining of these two
forms of worship.
Where Can I Read Something on the Holy Spirit in the Bible?
John 14:16 and 26; John 16:17 and 13; Acts 1:4 and 8; Acts 2:4, 17, and 38; Acts 4:31;
Acts 5:32; Acts 8:17; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 19:5-6;Romans 5:3-5; Romans 8:1-17,26-27;
1 Cor. 2:6-16; 1 Cor. 3:16; Galatians 5:16-26, and many others.
Is Satan Real?
Yes The Bible, Jesus, and our Church have always taught that Satan is real, but
Jesus has defeated Satan, the devil, for the Children of God, and the life of Jesus will
keep us safe as we learn to obey the Holy Spirit. The Devil misleads us to think he
does not exist so we may hold our guards down and conform to the evil ways that
may be considered "norm" in society.
What is the Importance of Prayer?
See Matt. 7:7, 21-22; Mark 11:22-26; Luke 18:1; Luke 11:1-13; John 15:7, 16; Eph. 6:18-
19; Col. 4:2; 1 Thes. 5:17-18; James 5:16; Rev. 8:3-4; and many more.
What Should I Keep in Mind When Attending Prayer Meetings?
* Come at least four or five times before making a judgement. It takes that long to
understand how the Spirit is working.
* Pray as you feel comfortable (and let others do the same)
* Praying alone we are easily distracted; we support each other at a prayer
meeting.
* Pause between songs, readings, and teachings to allow the Spirit to work.
* Don¹t concentrate on othersconcentrate on Jesus. Close your eyes to
distractions around you and let the Holy Spirit open your spiritual eyes to see
with faith.
* All ages are welcomewe are all children of God.
* Prepare for the meetings, through prayer and scripture.
* Don¹t be afraid, you are with friends. Don¹t let the devil discourage your.
* You will experience the "Fruits of the Spirit" as you progress. (Gal. 5:22; 1 Cor.
12)
* If you do not have an opportunity to speak or share at the meetingsyou may do
so after the meeting with others.
* If you have any questions, please don¹t leave until you get an answer. We love
youand together we love Godand HELP EACH OTHER AS BROTHERS AND
SISTERS.
Praise, Honor, and Glory are Yours, Lord Jesus Christ!
Finally, "My prayer is that your love for each other may increase more and more and
never stop improving your knowledge and deepening your perception so that you may
always recognize what is best. This will help you to become pure and spotless and
prepare for the Day of Christ when you will reach the perfect goodness which Jesus
Christ produces in us for the glory and praise of God." {Phil 1:9-11]
Based on a tract printed by the Charismatic Catholic Renewal Office, Diocese of Oakland, California. P.O. Box
5127, Oakland, CA 94605.