The Prayers of the People

The Book of Common Prayer directs that at each Eucharist the gathered People of God pray for the Universal Church, its members, and its mission; the Nation and all in authority; the welfare of the world; the concerns of the local community; those who suffer and those in any trouble; and the departed (with commemoration of a saint when appropriate). This part of the Eucharist has always seemed to me to be “under-rated.” I mean, here we are, the beloved People of God, gathered in God’s presence in the special way that a Eucharist provides, and, as a body, we “have God’s ear.” (Yes, we always have God’s ear, but this is corporate worship, the uniting of God’s People in attention and intention. That is a very different thing from our private prayers and petitions.)

Like the Peace, it feels to me like this moment of corporate prayer has gotten diluted. In Rite II the opportunity for members of the congregation to offer their own concerns is almost always offered. In my experience, there are sometimes a few whispered petitions – nothing wrong with that - but it feels to me like a missed opportunity. What if one were to say in a voice loud enough to be heard something like, “I pray for my friend Fred who is in the hospital for surgery,” or “Let’s pray for those Christians in Syria who are being held captive and are in danger of death,” or “Lord Jesus, please hold my daughter close as she moves out into the world and her new job”? What if? I can almost guarantee that it would draw us closer in love and concern for one another. This is so different from the monologue read from the front of the church by someone in vestments. What if the Prayers of the People were read by a member of the congregation (or a deacon located among them), making it clear that these are the prayers OF THE PEOPLE? Another thing to notice is that even if there is some vocal response from the congregation when we pray for those in distress or need, there is usually nothing said when space is made for thanksgivings. Again, what if one were audibly to say something like, “I give thanks for the safe return of my friend from Afghanistan,” or “Thank you God for gathering my family together this Christmas”? What if?

Here’s a thought: what if on Sunday each of us was responsible for praying out loud for those people and issues that concern us, and “the prayer list” was what we took home to guide our prayers during the weekdays, knowing that the clergy and others were praying that same list in church throughout the week as well?