Waterfall prayers
A prayer "style" that you maybe have missed out on
Dozens of voices crashing all around me, huddled together, hands on my shoulders, my hands on someone else’s shoulders, and waves of warm breath washing over everyone.
I had grown up in a Pentecostal upbringing so I’ve seen quite a few “styles” of prayers over the years…but when I was in college I spent two summers working at a camp called Gull Lake Ministries.
(My camp name was Frostbyte if anyone ever sees this and knows what I mean)
Every Saturday, before families would arrive, we would do a “huddle” and announce who the camp counselors were for the week, who was work crew, etc.
But, then, we would all collapse into a large group and practice “waterfall prayers.”
Everyone would pray all at once. No set time. No set guided prayer. Nothing.
Someone would start, then others would start.
Eventually, when people concluded their prayers and remained silent, someone would “close” in prayer. But it was never a time limit or a race. Just a natural conclusion.
Dozens of people praying, in their own words, at their own pace, surrounded by others doing likewise. All praying for the same things, though.
It was…in a word…powerful.
Every single time I would participate in these waterfall prayer sessions I would experience the Spirit in a new and fresh way. But that’s also partly because of the sheer number of people praying together in one place, all connected.
It’s not an experience you can duplicate in smaller settings.
Because there is a time and place for different “styles” of prayer.
But, if you haven’t tried it, then I recommend giving it a shot at your next group gathering.
My prayer for today
Our Father, help keep us open to new ways to experience prayer. Give me an open heart to receive new ways to experience prayer. Point us in your direction in all ways. Amen.
Remember
Different doesn’t always mean “worse” or “bad.” So trying a new style of prayer can be helpful. And, at the end of the day, the practice of prayer is more important than the style of prayer. Even if it makes you feel a bit awkward sometimes.