Catholic Charismatic Renewal

WHAT IS A PRAYER MEETING?

A “PRAYER MEETING” is a weekly gathering of Christians to give honor, praise, thanks, and love to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. It is a time we gather in community to praise God on a one-to-one basis. A “Prayer Meeting” is not a discussion club, a therapy session or a time for counseling, but a time to give our full attention to Jesus through the help of the Holy Spirit (who will tech us all truth). A “Prayer Meeting” has two purposes
1. To praise, worship and honor God.
2. To build up the Body of Christ (as brothers and sisters).

WHAT IS THE CONTENT OF A “PRAYER MEETING”?
Opening prayer; prophecy (God speaks to us through one of His children); speaking in tongues (in song as well); interpretation of tongues; scripture reading; teachings; testimony and sharing.

HOW LONG DO THE “PRAYER MEETINGS” LAST?
Usually about 1 ½ hours. Matthew 26:40: “How is it that you were not able to watch with me for one hour?”

DO I HAVE TO RAISE MY HANDS AND PRAY LIKE OTHERS DO?
NO! You should pray in the way in which you feel comfortable-as if you were alone communicating with Jesus. Pray as you feel comfortable, but respect others way of prayer and praise.

IS A PRAYER GROUP A PARISH ORGANIZATION?
Yes, a prayer group is made up of individuals that come together weekly as a family for the purpose of giving Jesus the praise He deserves. The first and primary purpose of all prayer is to praise and honor God, who created us and who gives us all the gifts and blessings we enjoy each day. The prayer group is under the authority of the parish pastor and should keep him informed periodically.

WHAT ARE THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS WE PRAY FOR?
See 1 Cor. 12, 13 and 14; Word of Wisdom; Word of Knowledge; Faith; Gifts of Healings; Miracles; Interpretations of tongues; Prophecy (2 Peter 1:20-21); Discernment of Spirits; Tongues (Acts 5:12-16); Miracles (Acts 2:43).

IS THE “BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT” (or as some refer to it – The Baptism of the Spirit) A NEW SACRAMENT?
No. It is not a Sacrament, it is merely a RELEASE of the POWER of the Holy Spirit already received in the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation helping us to know Jesus, the Bible, our daily prayer life, our faith, etc., in a deeper way.

DO WE HAVE TO SPEAK AT A PRAYER MEETING?
No. The ones that speak, prophecy or read are usually moved to do so by the Holy Spirit (Jn 14:26 “The helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My Name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you”).

WHAT IS A TESTIMONY?
Telling how the Lord is working in your life. One’s testimony should be short and to the point.

HOW CAN I GROW SPIRITUALLY?
Attend the “Prayer Meeting” each week. Have a regular prayer time each day (taking time also to listen) 10 minutes to an hour and talk to the Lord throughout the day. Read the Bible at least 15 minutes per day. Short courses will be offered; a seven week “Life in the Spirit Seminars”; a six week “Growth in the Spirit Seminar”; and Leadership School.