Perfunctoriness is perhaps one of the greatest enemies against which the one who is charged with the responsibility of the hour of public worship must be always and consciously on the alert. Perfunctory is defined as, "Performed mechanically and by way of routine or carelessly and superficially." It suggests a form of activity which has become mere form without the warmth of life and spirit. Proper form and organization are essential to dignified and orderly togetherness in public worship, but, when this degenerates into empty, lifeless formality, however well organized, the worship not only loses its power to lift souls heavenward, but offers insult to Him in whose name the service is performed.
In nothing is this threat of perfunctoriness more serious than in the public prayers that are offered. To this there should be given fully as careful thought and preparation as to the sermon and the music. Why should the sacred and solemn act of leading the congregation to the throne of God in prayer and speaking to God for the assembled worshipers be left to chance either in the selection of the one who is to serve thus, or in the matter of the prayer content?
Should it be left till the few moments after the people have begun to assemble for the pastor or elder to rush about and seek out someone to accompany him into the desk to pray, and thus give the general impression that this important part of the service is of minor consequence ? Would it not be better if the individuals who are to have any part in the conduct of these religious func-- tions were notified at least a day in advance so that they would come up to the hour appointed suitably prepared in mind, in heart, in person, in apparel,. to appear before the Lord?
As a denomination we have no prayer book or formally composed prayers to be used for various occasions. However, an awareness of the great potentialities in prayers offered in both spirit and language suitable to the times and occasions, would certainly suggest that some time for preliminary meditation and orientation of thought and attitude be given whenever prayers are to be addressed to the Deity on behalf of others and in their presence. The spiritual leader who is alive to the needs and possibilities involved will avoid, as far as possible, calling upon individuals for public audible prayer to be offered extemporaneously.
Through the prophet Hosea (14:2), God invites, "Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto Him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously : so will we render the calves of our lips." May this not mean that in addition to coming with sincere hearts, thought might also fittingly be given to the content and the language of prayers that are to be offered, to our Maker and King? Soine previous thought as to the particular occasion, the situation and needs of those present, the content and form of petition to be offered, might do much to guard against some of the irrelevancies, meanderings, and inappropriateness, not to mention the wearisome length, that spoil the effectiveness of many a prayer offered without due preparation.
Is it not high time that the ministry of the remnant church should study and put forth diligent effort to make every phase of the spiritual service of public prayer possess both the form of godliness and the power thereof?
