Prepare Your Heart (Praying for Rain! United Prayer)

It is critical that you, as the prayer leader, be prepared and come to the prayer session with a heart emptied of self and filled with the Holy Spirit. The one who waits to prepare until the last minute will not be as effective as the one who comes to the prayer session after having spent quality time in the presence of God.
“An intensity such as never before was seen is taking possession of the world. In amusement, in
moneymaking, in the contest for power, in the very struggle for existence, there is a terrible force that

engrosses body and mind and soul. In the midst of this maddening rush, God is speaking. He bids us come apart and commune with Him. ‘Be still, and know that I am God.’ Ps. 46:10. Many, even in their seasons of devotion, fail of receiving the blessing of real communion with God. They are in too great haste. With hurried steps they press through the circle of Christ’s loving presence, pausing perhaps a moment within the sacred precincts, but not waiting for counsel. They have no time to remain with the divine Teacher.
With their burdens they return to their work. These workers can never attain the highest success until they
learn the secret of strength. They must give themselves time to think, to pray, to wait upon God for a renewal
of physical, mental, and spiritual power. They need the uplifting influence of His Spirit. Receiving this, they will be quickened by fresh life. The wearied frame and tired brain will be refreshed, the burdened heart willbe lightened. Not a pause for a moment in His presence, but personal contact with Christ, to sit down in companionship with Him—this is our need.”Education, p. 260, 261

“Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace
can be substituted and the health of the soul be preserved. . . . Neglect the exercise of prayer, or engage
in prayer spasmodically, now and then, as seems convenient, and you lose your hold on God.” Messages
to Young People, p. 249

Model Reverence (Praying for Rain! United Prayer)

When we pray, we are approaching the throne room of the King of the Universe. Lead others by your example to behave reverently in both word and manner. We encourage kneeling but understand that circumstances may require some to sit in a chair. “True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His
infinite greatness and a realization of His presence. . . . The hour and place of prayer are sacred, because God is there. . . . Angels, when they speak that name, veil their faces. With what reverence, then, should we, who are fallen and sinful, take it upon our lips!” Prayer, p. 209 

Let the Holy Spirit Lead (Praying for Rain! United Prayer)

The prayer leader naturally feels the responsibility to lead and keep things moving. However, as already stated, each prayer session is a group conversation with God, and as such, we must expect the occasional
lull in conversation. These periods of silence may feel awkward, but they are not to be feared. The Holy Spirit uses these times to speak to hearts.  Also, it may be during these moments that the more timid find the opportunity to pray. As a leader, resist the urge to dominate by jumping in immediately to keep the prayer time moving. Allow the Holy Spirit to work and dictate the pace.

Pray More, Talk Less (Praying for Rain! United Prayer)

Satan is thrilled if he can keep us talking about our problems instead of praying about them. With this in mind, we do not encourage people to share requests before the united prayer session begins. Instead, we
direct participants to simply voice their petitions to God during the time of supplication.“Unitedly make known your troubles to God. Talk less; much precious time is lost in talk that brings no light. Let brethren unite in fasting and prayer for the wisdom that God has promised to supply liberally.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 188

Keep Individual Prayers Short (Praying for Rain! United Prayer)

It’s important for you as the leader to model short, concise prayers, and the group will follow your example.
There may be one or two (or a few) who will not pay any attention to the guidelines you share, and once they start praying, they may go on and on. Just be patient and bear with them. Remember, the main point is that they are praying! “Make short prayers in meetings, and lengthy prayers when you talk and commune with God in your closet.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 10, p. 130“Learn to pray short and right to the point, asking for just what you need.” Our High Calling, p. 130

Be Sensitive as You Lead (Praying for Rain! United Prayer)

Maintain sensitivity to the fact that some participants are not so comfortable approaching God in prayer. They may never have experienced the power of hours spent in their own private prayer closet, and they certainly may not be accustomed to group prayer. A leader who offers long, perfectly developed prayers may intimidate some group members who feel they are not as eloquent. Pray as the Holy Spirit leads, but keep your words simple. Recognize the level of the other participants and begin there.
People may also be intimidated by the length of the prayer time. Those who are new to this united prayer
format often worry that the time will drag; they cannot imagine praying for a whole hour. However, as we
progress through the four themes, and as people are encouraged to keep individual prayers short and concise (rather than allowing the lengthy sermon-like prayers that go on and on), time usually goes quickly.
In fact, most participants will find that a whole hour of prayer can seem like just 20 minutes. The testimony
of many is, “I’ve never prayed this long before, but the time went so quickly. This is powerful!