A friend of mine has the custom of kneeling in prayer just be fore preaching and of requesting his congregation to join him in this act of devotion. During a recent worship service it occurred to him to ask the people what they prayed for at that particular time. He assured them that he wanted them to speak frankly. And they did!
- "I prayed that you wouldn't preach too long. I have arthritis, and after 15 minutes my bones begin to ache."
- "I prayed that you would keep it simple. Sometimes you get going into point 2, point 3, point 4, etc. All I want is just one clear point that I can take home and think about during the week."
- "I prayed that you wouldn't drop your voice. It's so irritating when I can't hear some of the words in what seems to be an important statement."
- "I prayed that I might listen carefully and respond when I find God speaking to me."
- "I prayed that you would sense something of the burden I've been carrying this past week and give me some hope."
- "I prayed that God would give you courage to speak out against some of the evils in our world: war, poverty, injustice, and pornography."
- "I prayed that you wouldn't use deep theological terms, but would use language we can understand."
- "I prayed that you wouldn't be too dogmatic—that you wouldn't insist that we accept your point of view, but would give us a choice of alternatives."
- "I prayed that you would not deal with some antique biblical passage that is not vaguely related to our modern world." "I prayed a thanksgiving for you and your ministry."
- "I prayed that God would help me listen with an open mind and heart."
My friend concluded: "I didn't preach a sermon that week—the people did. And boy, did I need it! It's so tempting to stand in the pulpit and imagine you're Jeremiah or Paul. The people reminded me that I am nothing more [or less than God's messenger with the serious com mission to speak His word and speak it well."
