Charismatic Prayer Group

What is Charismatic Prayer Group?

Today a great deal of attention in the Roman Catholic Church in America is focused on the Catholic Charismatic movement which has become amostpowerful force in the area of spiritual renewal not only in theRomanCatholic Church but in other churches throughout the country.However,many people shy away from the "Holy Spirit movement" because they believe that the Roman Catholic Church does not sanction it.

ArchbishopPhillip Hannon from Louisiana, New Orleans wrote: “The Catholic Charismatic Renewal can renew for many the Spirit of Christ in averynotable manner among those who participate in its gatherings. It is a means of renewal in the Spirit that can be of great benefit to thewhole church.

Cardinal G. Emmett Carter of London, Ontario,Canada wrote a letter to all the priests of his diocese after attending aCharismatic Meeting saying: "I had my first experience with the charismatics. The name had led me to believe that this was some sort of fringe group unworthy of our attention. What I find is that thesepersons are using the Holy Scriptures with the Inspiration and theMovement of the Holy Spirit Himself to develop a deep sense ofthepresence of God and of His effective action in their lives. Farfromcausing people to be removed from the Church in all its aspects,they constantly declare how it has helped to make them even betterCatholics in the traditional sense of term".

What Is a Prayer Meeting?

Please read from the New Testament: 1 Corinthians Chapters 12, 13 and 14.

Aprayer meeting is a weekly gathering of Christians to givepraise,thanks, honor and love to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.It is a time we gather in community to praise God on a one-on-onebasis, as the Holy Spirit moves us.

A prayer meeting has two purposes:1.To praise, worship and honor God.2.To build up the Body of Christ as brothers and sisters.

What Are the Content of a Prayer Meeting?

Please read from the New Testament: 1 Corinthians Chapters 14: 26 – 33.

Opening prayer
Time of praise and worship
Singing of praise songs
Prophecy (God speaking through someone)
Speaking in tongues - prayer language (in song as well)
Interpretation of tongues
Scripture reading
Teaching (Based on Scriptures)
Testimony (Sharing what God has done in a person’s life)
Sharing

How Long Does a Prayer Meeting Last?

Prayermeetings usually last a minimum of one and one-half hours. Mathew 26:40 says "How is it that you were not able to watch with me foronehour?"

Is a Prayer Meeting Based on the Bible?

Yes,Jesus said “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I intheirmidst”. (Mathew 18 : 19 – 20, 1 Corinthians 14 : 26, Acts 1 : 14,Acts2 : 42, Revelation 3 : 20 – 21, Revelation 22 : 17). Frequently,there is a sense of the presence of God in the prayer meeting.

Is a Prayer Meeting Like A Eucharistic Celebration?

Don'tcompare one with the other. The Eucharistic Celebration is a relivingofthe greatest act of love that ever took place upon earth – the lastsupper and Calvary combined (Jesus offering Himself to the last drop ofblood for each of us). In the Eucharistic Celebration we receiveJesus’body, blood, soul and divinity.

In a prayer meeting Jesusispresent as in the Mass; in the scripture readings (where two or threeare gathered), in each other, in prophesy, etc. Only we worship Him inarelaxed gathering rather than in a liturgical celebration.

How Can I Grow Spiritually?

Attendthe prayer meeting each week, read from the Bible at least 15minutesdaily, talk to the Lord throughout the day and take time tolisten to Him (through prayer).

A short course will be offered as time goes on called "Life in the Spirit Seminar"(seven weeks).

What Should I Keep in Mind When Attending Prayer Meetings?

Come at least 4 – 5 times before making a judgment. It takes that long to understand how the Spirit is working.
Pray as you feel comfortable (let others do the same).
Praying alone we are easily distracted; we support each other at a prayer meeting.
We pause between songs, readings, teachings to allow the Spirit to work.
Don't concentrate on others – concentrate on Jesus and you.
All ages are welcomed – we are all children of God, even children.
Prepare for the meetings through prayer and sacrifice such as fasting.
Don't be afraid; you are with friends. Don’t let the devil discourage you.

You will experience the fruits of the spirit as you progress (Galatians 5 : 22; see also Gifts in 1 Corinthians Chapter 12)

Ifyou have any questions, please don’t leave the prayer meeting untilyouget an answer from one of the leaders or other members of the group.

We love you and together we love God and each other as Brothers and Sisters.

For more information, please contact Eileen – 818-996-9458

What is Charismatic Prayer Group?
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