What is a "Charismatic" Prayer Meeting?
A "Charismatic Prayer Meeting" is a weekly gathering of Christians to give praise, thanks, honour, and love to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. There are a number of these groups in the Diocese allowing Christians to meet each week as a community of believers in the power of prayer and to pray and praise God on a one-to-one basis, as the Holy Spirit moves us.
A prayer meeting is also a time to pray for the needs of others--Intercessory Prayer. Biblical examples abound: Job for his children (Job 1:5), Abraham for his nephew (Gen 18), Moses for Israel (Exodus 32), Daniel for the remnant (Daniel 9), Ester for the Jews (Ester 4-5), Jesus for Peter (Luke 22:31-32), and Paul for his kinsmen (Rom 9:1-5).
What is the Purpose of a Prayer Group Meeting?
A prayer meeting is not a discussion club, a therapy session, or a time for counselling. It is a time to give our full attention to Jesus— through the help of the Holy Spirit. St. John Damascene stated, "Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God." But when we pray, do we speak from the height of our pride and will, or out of the depths of a humble and contrite heart? The Catechism teaches, "He who humbles himself will be exalted, humility is the foundation of prayer." (Catechism of the Catholic Church section 2559)
St. Paul reminds us, "Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thes. 5:20).
1. To praise, worship, and honour God with others who share the same faith.
2. To build up the Body of Christ through faith-sharing experiences AND PRAYER.
What happens at a Prayer Group Meeting?
Each prayer group will be uniquely different because the group reflects the personalities and gifts of those who attend. However, there are some common happenings. Since Mary is the Patroness of the Renewal, many groups start by praying the Rosary. Some start with gathering songs, followed by an opening prayer, a time of praise and worship, and a reading from Scripture. There also can be testimony (How God is working in someone’s life), prophecy (God inspiring someone to speak), and ministering of the Gifts of the Spirit by praying over one another. There also may be prayer in tongues (See 1 Cor. 12:7-10), or prophecy of tongues—prophetic
May God Bless you by awaking the power of the Holy Spirit within you!
For more information go to this link:
http://www.catholiccr-scotland.org.uk/about.asp