Praying out loud

[sunnysunchild]

Happy New Christian here :)
Praying out loud is a thing done in my new church and prayer group, for each other. Some of the ladies praying are so soothing, its amazing....anyway....I'd like to be able ro do it but I have a big nervous block about it. I've never done it before ever.

How can i get used to it? I have a mini panic because I dont know what to say, i worry that there is an expectation from my group/people who pray for me.. I would do it if I knew what to say....I dont want to sound like an idiot and I certainly can't quote verses or specific prayers etc.
Help please!!

Our gracious Lord,

Bless.... [insert people] that they may be guided/get well/Have the comfort they need
Give thanks for whatever feels right at the time. Family, friendship, whatever.

Amen

You don't need to quote set prayers or verses. Practice at home saying prayers in the morning and/or evening

I will try that, thanks :) . I just have to get over myself I think!

It can be really daunting when you're new to it. I've been praying since I was a child though, so used to it now but i never read any prepared ones out unless to the whole congregation at any point. Practice is key

I've always prayed like this so it's never been a problem for me, but I met a couple of friends to pray together and it was new to them. However they both discovered that when they started praying, the words and the things to pray for just came into their heads.

Have a prepared start and finish.
Thankyou God for...
Please bless...
Thankyou Jesus, Amen.
Etc.

Then just say what's in your heart and mind.

I often run out of words and find myself saying 'and please...erm...yeah...Amen'
But that is fine. Nobody will remember.

Also sunnysunchild all prayer is the Holy Spirit praying within us. So pray for an increase of the Holy Spirit, ask that you be open and full,of faith, hope and love. Trust that the Sprint will grow within you. Do what you feel comfortable with, as you feel more confident and comfortable and familiar with the way your Christian community prays your anxiety will lessen and your peace and confidence grow.

Prayer is simply talking (and listening) to God. It should be as natural a conversation as a child talking to a loving parent. You don’t need any special formal language or quotations- God just wants you to express what’s in your heart or in your mind.
Most prayer is done privately, but communal prayer is supportive and engenders fellowship within the prayer group. Don’t be self conscious, OP - just relax and let yourself receive the spirit.

It's great that you want to join in with these prayers, and please don't worry if you don't feel like you know the right words or the right 'formula'. Some of the most heartfelt and beautiful prayers I've ever heard have been the simple cry from the heart of people who are simply talking to God in their own words. Here's a quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer which resonates with me - hopefully it will be helpful to you too.
"We are privileged to know that God knows our needs before we ask him. This is what gives Christian prayer its boundless confidence and its joyous certainty. It matters little what form of prayer we adopt or how many words we use, what matters is the faith which lays hold on God and touches the heart of the Father who knew us long before we came to him."