How To Start A Prayer Group For Young People

“Starting a small group is easy.  Find some people and set a time when you can all get together and pray.  If you try it, you WILL see results.  It makes your days go so much better. It gives a peace that has so much satisfaction.”

Dan Augsburger

Prayer is never so meaningful as when exercised in a small group.  As one young adult recently shared: 

“Starting a small group is easy.  Find some people and set a time when you can all get together and pray.  If you try it, you WILL see results.  It makes your days go so much better. It gives a peace that has so much satisfaction.” 

•  Keep it small

A group can be two or more people.  Three to four is ideal.

•  Keep it convenient

A convenient location can include a dorm room, a lounge, a quiet corner in a restaurant, or an alcove at work.  In short, any place qualifies.

•  Keep it simple

Less is more when it comes to small groups.  Start by briefly considering a Bible story, verse, or promise; rejoice over answers; share significant needs; then pray.

•  Keep it on prayer

It may sound extreme, but most of the time should be spent praying. Some groups choose not to discuss requests ahead of time, preferring to learn about requests during the course of the prayers. Needless to say, other group members will occasionally take notes during the prayer time to jot down specific requests.

•  Keep it flexible

Starting time, location, and duration can vary.  Some group members may only stay briefly due to other conflicts.  Whether you pray for 10 minutes or 60, it will be meaningful.  Agree on a quitting time at the beginning.  Try not to exceed 60 minutes.

•  Keep it going

Meet as often as group members find convenient.

•  Minimize leadership

The group that isn’t dependent on any one person will thrive regardless of schedule and participant changes.  Make Jesus the leader!

•  Keep looking to Jesus

Successful prayer looks to Jesus for everything: righteousness, justification, sanctification, wisdom, peace, repentance, courage, forgiveness, the emptying of self, and strength.  Instead of looking to group members, look to Jesus!  1 Cor 1:30