2 min read Worship Tools

A Guided Prayer for Your Worship Service This Weekend

Guided prayers create space where the whole congregation can participate in intercession. Use this as a moment of intercession in your gathering this weekend.
A praying worshipper

Sometimes, the most powerful thing a worship leader can do is not to sing a new song, but to give their people a new way to pray.

Guided prayers create space where the whole congregation can participate in intercession—not just by listening to one person pray, but by joining their own voices in a shared rhythm of prayer.

Here’s a simple framework you can use this weekend.

How it works:

  • Find a suitable space in your set, maybe let the music play in the background.
  • The leader introduces the guided prayer with a short explanation.
  • Each prayer prompt is spoken aloud.
  • The congregation fills in the rest of the sentence, either silently or aloud.
  • Pause ~30 seconds per prompt.
  • Close with the scripture blessing provided.

Here’s an introduction you could use word-for-word in your service:

“We’re going to enter into a guided time of prayer. Calm your hearts, and focus your affections upon Jesus. As I give you prompts, I will invite you to finish each sentence as a way of starting your own conversation with God.”

The Guided Prayer

Prompt 1 – Our Hearts
“Lord, shape my heart today to love you with all my…”
(Invite people to finish in prayer: strength, mind, desires, etc.)

Prompt 2 – Our Families
“Lord, guide my family today to walk with you in our…”
(Invite prayer for marriages, children, parents, siblings.)

Prompt 3 – Our Neighbours
“Lord, open my eyes today to serve my neighbour with my…”
(Invite prayer for kindness, hospitality, forgiveness, care.)

Prompt 4 – Our Church
“Lord, move in our church today through our…”
(Invite prayer for worship, unity, generosity, courage, leaders.)

Prompt 5 – Our World
“Lord, heal our world today by your power in the midst of our…”
(Invite prayer for nations, justice, peace, revival, mercy.)

Closing Scripture
“The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3)

Use this as a moment of intercession in your gathering this weekend. Adapt it if you need to—but don’t underestimate how God might move when His people join their hearts in a shared rhythm of prayer.

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