During our worship service on Sunday mornings at Flag Springs United Methodist Church, we are given the opportunity to come forward and light a prayer candle for a need in our life, or for someone else. In addition, a video or song is played during this time which further helps set the mood and puts people at ease.
Traditionally, many churches over the years have reserved time for prayer at the alter at the end of the service. Not that this is a bad thing of course, but I think a lot of people feel it’s more intimidating this way – and the response usually shows.
This is the second church I’ve attended where prayer time at the alter is incorporated earlier into the service. I like this approach better, because it seems to take some of the awkwardness out of coming forward to pray. In our case, the additional act of lighting a prayer candle gives it even more meaning. ~MB
All images © 2014 Matt Bennett Photography
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