One very significant component of effective worship-based prayer is the power of singing together. Every prayer meeting I lead is interspersed with spontaneous, participatory songs that are aligned with the feel and focus of our praying. Any kind of prayer gathering can benefit by a fresh awareness of the effective tool of singing as a part of our prayers.

Song as an Expression of Prayer
It is important to communicate to participants that songs can actually function as a beautiful expression of united prayer. The songs may be newer choruses or hymns, fast or slow. In most cases, they can be sung as a powerful expression of united prayer, in the flow of the prayer time.

Practically speaking, songs are a great way to re-capture the attention and participation of the group when there is a lull, or when individuals are drifting in their attention. A song involves everyone and calls each heart to “pray” in union with the rest of the group.

Another helpful technique is to change the pronouns from singular to plural. Turn an “I” to “we” and a “my” to “our.” Sadly, most of our congregational songs sound more like a solo than a vital expression of community. As you sing, revise the lyrics to reflect a sense of united prayer. This works well with many songs and prevents mindless predictability in the singing.

Song as an Impetus to Prayer
Over the years, some of our most powerful prayer expressions have been a response to the truth of song lyrics. As you lead others in song within the context of a prayer time, ask the Lord to direct you to practical ways you can pray the truth of the lyrics.

Recently, I was leading a prayer summit for the leaders of a national ministry. We were singing the hymn, “It is Well.” At the end of the prayer time, I asked, “Why is it well with your soul”?  Then, I encouraged participants to finish a sentence of prayer that went like this: “Lord, it is well with my soul because you have . . .” For the next five minutes, individuals were able to thank the Lord for all He had done to bring peace and well-being to their lives. It was uplifting and compelling.

This kind of insight and participation can happen often as you sing, providing a fresh opportunity for thoughtful, meaningful participation.

So sing with all your hearts. Sing often. Sing thoughtfully with united hearts. Don’t let it just be about the music--but about the prayer moments that are waiting to be discovered.

--Daniel Henderson is available for speaking and ministering in local churches. Contact him through www.strategicrenewal.com.