“What about prayer meeting? Why are so few people interested in getting together for prayer?” It’s a question I often hear from those who lead ministries of prayer. Their frustration is understandable, because they love community praying and have experienced its power.

True, some people seem to practice prayer as a particular calling and gift—praise the Lord for that. At the same time, all of Christ’s disciples are called to spend time in prayer, and the call cannot be limited to prayer in private. Jesus gave us the “two or three gathered together” principle. Matthew 18:18-20. He said that the power and authority of Heaven break loose when his disciples come together as a body and agree in prayer.

In the previous article it was expressed that informal gatherings for prayer may be just as significant as a formal weekly meeting, and perhaps more so. Spontaneous prayer gatherings empowered the early Christian church and can do wonders in our own time. But there can also be great benefit in a scheduled weekly prayer meeting.

The key is to design these meetings for maximum possible interest and impact. The early church example suggests a mix of five key elements—song, fellowship, the Word, personal ministry, and prayer. See Acts 2:42–47 and Colossians 3:16, 17.

Here I’ll describe one potential format along theselines, as an example.

First, “Hallelujah Time!”—about 10 minutes of adoring God through song and testimony. The leader or a helper carefully chooses songs ahead of time, to capture the purpose and to support the theme for the meeting.

Second, “Invoke the Power”—five minutes of invitational prayer. This is a time to request the presence of Jesus through his Spirit.

Third, “Listen to God”—about seven minutes of scripture reading. Ahead of time, choose a powerful scripture that speaks to known needs. Ask participants to read aloud with passion and enthusiasm.

Fourth, “Respond to the Word”—about 10 minutes for leader-guided prayer over the scripture that has just been read. Have the Bible open, and speak God’s words back to him in faith! Include much praise. Ask participants to remain focused during this time, applying the Word directly to their own lives and to the congregation.

Fifth, “Invite the Blessing”—five minutes of song, this time choosing –songs that express personal need and consecration.

Sixth, “Alter Time”—30 minutes for participants to name needs and then to intercede together for those needs. Take one need at a time and pray immediately and specifically for that person or that need. Include prayer for the unsaved. Ask attendees to state their need in just one or two sentences, so there is ample time for prayer.

Seventh, “Final Praise”—about eight minutes for a closing song or two, and prayers of thanks to God.

This suggested format totals one hour and fifteen minutes. Start on time, no matter how many are present; and end on time. If you wish, add an optional, fifteen-minute “Afterglow” for further fellowship and personal ministry among any who wish to stay a little longer.

There are many ways to design an effective prayer meeting; this is just one example.

Should the meeting be firmly structured, or open and fluid?

Actually, it should be both! To stay on track and accomplish a purpose, the meeting should be carefully planned and structured. To accommodate unanticipated needs and to follow the Spirit’s sometimes surprising agenda, it should be open. Only God can give you the perfect blend.

Bathe the meeting in prayer—before, during and after. Do not seek to control; seek only for the Spirit to control. But do plan, and do lead. Then look for and expect God’s mighty blessing, just as he promised.

This article first appeared in modified form in Mid-America Outlook, December 2005. Copyright © 2009 by Ed Gallagher (South Pacific edition). / Scripture quotations taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission.