Conversational prayer is an interesting concept and difficult to grasp sometimes. Conversational prayer in a small group is just like having a conversation with a group of friends. It is not structured or bounded. People can pray as much or as little as they like, and the prayer evolves.
One way to think about conversational prayer is to think back on a conversation you've had with a close friend. When you get together to talk you usually have a main focus for the conversation; something thats been bugging you or you something you don't understand, either way you generally start talking about a question you had, something you want advice on. You have thoughts from thinking about it before, but the other person brings a new perspective, different thoughts, and it gives you something to think about. Maybe what the other person said sparked something in you and you have new opinions about the topic. So the conversation evolves to that. It gets deeper, more in depth, and gives you things to think about. The conversation than shifts to another topic you had a question about and the cycle repeats itself.
This is all conversational prayer is. You, a group of close friends, and God all get together to discuss something. You say your thoughts, then someone else says theirs and the prayer evolves. And I know it can seem kinda crazy, but I believe that if you think of something to say in response to someone else's prayer, it's probably from Jesus. Prayer is talking to God. Weird feelings is Him talking back.
As I listen to people pray, new thoughts and prayers come to mind. Conversational prayer is a way to expand that. It's a way to feed off of each other and respond to God through that.
Often times, prayer in groups looks very authoritative. One person is praying for everyone and that is just the way it is. There is nothing wrong with this type of prayer. But conversational prayer is organic and evolving.
I know that praying out loud is uncomfortable for many. It scares me death. But if this semester has taught me anything, it is that when you put aside fears and dive into what scares you, God meets you there. So I would just encourage you to lean into what makes you uncomfortable. Have a conversation with people you trust, and bring God in, it's that easy.
What did your group pray about? Did you feel God talking back? Did something amazing happen? How was conversational prayer for you? Please share and respond to each other! Believe it or not, God is moving through us and it's great to hear what He is doing in your life.
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