Network Feedback
More on the phrasing of petitions
Some Network Members found the simplicity of the approach very attractive. No longer need they worry about how to formulate detailed petitions. Another said that the petitions were so brief that people might not pick them up. And another made the point that it is appropriate enough to specify in the petition the good things we hope to do in regard to the petition, with God’s help.
Without complicating matters it is possible and still very easy to add another phrase to the brief statements about areas of concern. On a particular Sunday the same introductory phrase could be added to each of the statements of concern. For example, during Lent the statements might be phrased like this:
In this time of Lent we pray for the people
affected by the flood disaster in Mozambique.
(Pause)......... Lord, hear us.
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.
In this time of Lent we pray for...
In this time of Lent we pray for...
Etc.
During the Easter period:
In this time of Easter and New Life we pray
for...
Etc.
Including the introductory phrase in each petition also makes it easier for the congregation to tune into the voice of the reader and understand clearly the petition when the reading of it is complete.