Prayer is an act of communication and relationship between an individual, a group, or an entire society and a higher power or higher being Common prayer is the shared, often communal, act of prayer amongst a given collective or community, such as a church congregation or parishioners. Common prayer often takes many forms and incorporates various beliefs, rituals, and practices, as it unites the collective in connecting with a higher power.
The five best examples of common prayer include liturgy, group prayer, intercessory prayer, prayer services, and prayer vigils.
Liturgy refers to the communal, often Catholic, practice of prayer and worship. This often includes certain ceremonies, rituals of worship, and proclamations of the gospel. Liturgy is often accompanied by music and singing and generally includes a sequence of prayers and readings from spiritual texts.
Group prayer is a common form of prayer that involves a collective or community, such as a church. This method can be a conversational dialogue or a structured, collective recitation and is often led by a priest or minister.
Intercessory prayer is a form of prayer and spiritual practice that involves praying on behalf of another person or group. It is often used to ask for the healing, guidance, or protection of those in need.
Prayer services are communal forms of worship in which members of the faith unite together and lift their voices in song, scripture reading, and prayer. These services can often take place in a local church or other spiritual location and generally involve a specific theme or topic of discussion.
Prayer vigils are similar to prayer services but are often used to commemorate special occasions or events, such as the passing of a loved one or in remembrance of a tragedy. This type of prayer typically involves time set aside for people to come together and pray as a collective.
Common prayer can be an uplifting and powerful method of connecting with a higher power or being and strengthens the shared bond between individuals and their faith. By engaging in the five best examples of common prayer — liturgy, group prayer, intercessory prayer, prayer services, and prayer vigils — a collective of faith can come together in a unified way and benefit from the spiritual and emotional power of prayer.