How To Lead Opening Prayer In Church

We always start with an opening prayer when we begin something in the church, whether it is a worship service, prayer meeting, Bible study, retreat, conference, or anything else. Somehow, when we say “opening prayer,” what comes to people’s minds is that it is something that is a part of the program. While it is a part of the program flow of the event, it is not there just to have an opening prayer, which is what many secular programs do. We begin with an opening prayer in church because whatever circumstance we have in the church is centered on God. We open every event in the church with prayer because we are dedicating the event to God. It is an act of worship and humility before God, acknowledging that the event is all about Him and for His glory. 

What do you say when opening a church service?

Typically, a church service starts with praise and worship towards God, where the congregation sings, as led by the worship team or leader. In that regard, there are many things that the worship leader, emcee, pastor, or whoever is on the pulpit can pray as they begin the service. They can pray to God by thanking Him for the privilege and opportunity to come before His presence and worship Him. It is only possible because of Christ’s work on the cross that tore down the wall of hostility between God and humanity. Another thing that a minister on the pulpit can pray when opening a church service is a prayer of adoration towards God. As mentioned before, a church typically begins its worship service with praise and worship towards God. Therefore, it is only fitting to pray a prayer of adoration towards God where the congregation is led to revere, respect, glorify, praise, and hold God in the highest regard. 

Ephesians 2:14-16

14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Hebrews 4:14-16

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Psalm 103:1

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Here is an example of how you can lead an opening prayer in a church service:

Heavenly Father, You are the God Almighty who sits enthroned over all creation. All of the earth is Yours, and all of creation trembles at Your presence. Thank You for the grace and privilege of worshiping You because of what Christ has done for us on the cross. We magnify you and glorify You in this place. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

What do you say before opening a prayer?

It is essential to first determine what the church event is, so that you will know what to say and how to lead an opening prayer. Different events mean different possible reasons to thank God and glorify Him. There are also events where you may be requesting something from God. For example, if the church event is a Bible study, the opening prayer you pray shall be something about thanking God for the privilege of studying His word. You can even thank God for keeping every attendee safe and sound as they traveled to the Bible study venue. As the Bible study begins, you can ask God for help by praying for grace and understanding among the attendees. You can pray that they shall comprehend the Biblical truths that are to be taught and that it won’t just remain as theoretical knowledge, but that they shall translate it in the way they live their lives in obedience to God. You can also direct the prayer to remind people that the event is about God and about knowing God’s things. The event is to help the people do ministry and live their Christian lives, and not simply boost their ego with all the theological knowledge they have acquired. If the event is a prayer meeting, there would be different reasons to thank God and other concerns to include. It may include thanking God for the privilege to serve, grace to remember all the prayer points you need to pray for, etc. 

Here is an example of how to lead everyone in prayer as a Bible study begins:

God of wisdom, all knowledge and wisdom come from You alone. Thank you for keeping us safe so that we could all come here safe and sound. As we begin our Bible study, I pray that You would give us the grace to understand Your word and gain a deeper understanding of it. May the knowledge we obtain from today’s Bible study not just remain as theoretical knowledge, but may it be evident in how we live our lives in obedience to You. May we have a fruitful Bible study today. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. 

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

The critical thing to remember here is the event itself, because whatever the occasion is will influence what to pray for during the opening prayer. In the example above, we asked God for grace to understand, so that the Bible study shall be fruitful. You should apply the same kind of opening prayer before whatever event you have in the church. Only God can convict the congregation’s hearts, and He does so whenever His word is preached during the service. Only God can empower people when believers gather during a conference. Only God can work in the hearts of the lost when there is an initiative to preach the Gospel at an organized church event. 

An opening prayer is never just a part of the program during a church event. It is where we come before the presence of God and acknowledge that the church event is all about God and that we are dependent on Him. Those are the essential aspects that should always be part of an opening prayer. It should be something prayed out of worship to God and not just for the sake of saying an opening prayer.