Praying Aloud (and sounding like an Anglican)

First, Silence – collect yourself. Enter the presence of God. Breathe.

Call to mind the topic of your prayer – who is gathered? What is needed? How are blessings already palpable? Breathe. Listen. Don’t rush. Your silence lets others collect themselves.

Start by Addressing God – what aspect of God are you desiring to invoke – God our Wisdom, God whose Name is Love, God of energy and power, God Lover of souls, God mender of hearts, God you call all things into their right order, Lord God our Governor,

To avoid: Dear God… this sounds like an op ed piece. Almighty God – okay but overused.

Perhaps a passage of scripture will come to mind, or a psalm, that gives an image for addressing/invoking God: God of transformation, your power turned water into wine at a marriage at Cana…

And yes, it’s okay to address prayer to any person of the Trinity up front: Blessed Christ, Beloved Lord Jesus, Savior of the world…. Holy and Life-Giving Spirit, etc.

Then – express what is desired or needed: guide the work of this committee, strengthen our hands for this building project, lend your aid and protection to these who will travel, hear the urgent prayers of these in sore distress… be succinct. God knows the details already, but those listening need to feel included in the prayer.

And always – give thanks for something, for God is already present and acting: we thank you for guiding this parish over many years; we thank you for the many ways you comfort our hearts and especially for the strength of one another in your church; we thank you for giving us life and breath to call upon you…

Keep the prayer succinct.

Don’t attribute emotions to those around you, it’s so annoying! E.g. God, we are all just so excited and happy to be here; we are filled with disappointment by the results of this election…

Ending is important. It is always fine to end with a Trinitarian finish; “we ask through your Son Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever”, e.g. It is also fine to simply offer your prayer “in the Name of Jesus Christ. Or to segué into the Lord’s Prayer – “in the Name of Jesus who taught us to pray to you saying: Our Father…”

Try to avoid just adding an abrupt “Amen” when you run out of things to say. In a mixed religion group, a good way to end inclusively is to say “we pray in your Holy Name.” When you end a prayer gracefully you don’t need to say Amen – the listeners will know where to say it by your clear ending.

And – hey you ARE an Episcopalian – it’s always okay to use a prayer from the Book of Common Prayer. There is a whole section of prayers near the back- read these over and know what is available for various occasions. Or borrow a suitable collect from one of the Daily Offices, if you have a chance to prepare in advance.

If you are called upon for a Table Grace- blessing food – these also are in the BCP. Keep it short so the food doesn’t get cold and the folks distracted!

Some options are on the attached list. Commit one or two you like to memory. Sung grace is also nice!