Thanks for leading in congregational prayer as together we humble ourselves before God by casting all our cares on him, knowing that he cares for us (1 Peter 5).

What to pray about?

The weekly church news will include a range of suggested prayer points.  (These are based on our church prayer schedule which helps make sure we cover a wide range of topics over time by scheduling certain prayer points each week.)  Please use these points as your guide.

• The list is designed to inspire, not to restrict! Feel free to add any recent/upcoming events or topical issues that deserve prayer. 
• You don't necessarily have to pray for every point on the list.  
• Generally, the blurbs describe what to pray for - make sure you compose actual words of prayer rather than merely repeating the prayer point verbatim.  However sometimes a fully-worded "prayer for X" is included - feel free to use the wording provided or to put it in your own words.
• A list of people in need is included each week, but these don't need to be included in prayers every single Sunday. It's up to you.
• The newsletter includes some names from the church directory for "prayer focus" during the week. These are for people praying at home, not for Sundays.
• Praise, thanksgiving and confession are good prayer topics. BUT if we've done these in a separate part of the service, please don't repeat them in your prayers. Your main task is intercessions and petitions.

How to lead congregational prayer effectively

It can be helpful to split the prayers into separate sections so the congregation can say "amen" to each one.  About 5-6 sections is a good length.

There is some good advice from Peter Adam in this article