What is a Charismatic Prayer Meeting

Praise, Honor, and Glory are Yours, Lord Jesus Christ!

Where two or three are gathered in My name,
there am I in their midst. Matthew 18:19-20

Unity in Purpose -- Power in Prayer

The following series of questions and answers to the question; "What is a Charismatic Prayer Meeting?" was developed in response to the visible need for some direction and clarification for people attending or leading a Charismatic Prayer Meeting. To be guidelines for the growth and development of a Charismatic Prayer Meeting, and although the Holy Spirit may move in a variety of expressions of Christ in various Prayer Meetings, if there are not certain of these elements contained within the context of the meeting, perhaps it is not a "Charismatic" Prayer Meeting that the Lord Jesus is forming.
We pray with you that the Holy Spirit will continue to cause us to be attentive to the tasks the Lord has given us. We pray we will all strive to be an active part of the Body of Christ committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, seeking to serve Him and His Body in the gifts of the Spirit with all boldness and humilty and continuing to grow in the love and knowledge of our God. All this we pray, Father, in confidence that it is in perfect accord with Your will for us as Your children. In Jesus' name we thank you. Amen.
What is a Charismatic Prayer Meeting?
A "Charismatic Prayer Meeting" is a monthly gathering (first tuesday of each month) of Christians to give praise, thanks, honor, and love to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. It's a time we gather in community, to praise God on a one-to-one basis, as the Holy Spirit moves us.
A prayer meeting is not a discussion club, a therapy session, or a time for counseling. We come to give our full attention to Jesus -- through the help of the Holy Spirit (who will teach us all truth.)
A Prayer Meeting Has Two Purposes:

To praise, worship, and honor God
To build up the Body of Christ (as brothers and sisters)

What is the Content of a Charismatic Prayer Meeting?
A gathering song; opening prayer; time of praise and worship; singing; prophecy (God inspiring someone to speak); tongues (in song, praise, or prophecy); interpretation of tongues; ministering the Gifts of the Spirit to the people gathered in healing, miracles, word of knowledge, etc... (see 1 Cor. 12); scripture reading; teaching; testimony; sharing. (see 1 Cor. 14:26-33)
How Long do Prayer Meetings Last?
Usually a minimum of 1 1/2 hours.
Do I Have to Raise my Hands or Pray Like Others Do?
No -- you should pray as you feel comfortable -- as if your were alone with Jesus. Pray as you feel confortable, but also respect others -- the way they pray and feel comfortable.
Do I have to Say "Praise the Lord, Alleluia", etc. as others may do?
No -- you do not have to say or do anything you are not comfortable with. Just keep open to the Holy Spirit and pray however you wish -- just PRAY! As we learn why God wants us to praise, we will desire to change our form of worship, but pray as you know how.
Is a Prayer Group a Parish Organisation?
No -- a prayer group is made up of individuals that come together weekly as a family for the purpose of giving Jesus the praise He deserves. The first and primary purpose of all prayer is to praise and honor the God who created us and who gives us all the gifts we enjoy each day.
What are the Spiritual Gifts We Pray For?
(see 1 Cor. 12, 13-14 & 1 Cor. 14:1)
Word of Wisdom; Word of Knowledge; Faith; Prophecy; Discernment of Spirits; Tongues (Acts2:4); Interpretation; Healing; Miracles.
Is the "Baptism in the Spirit" a New Sacrament?
No -- It is the RELEASE of the POWER of the Holy Spirit already within US that we received by faith at our Confirmation, and now in our experience, to enable us to live the Christian life we want to live but had only been partially successful in doing. We will begin to experience a new ability to appreciate Jesus, the Bible, our daily prayer life, and our faith through this living experience.
Do I Have to Speak at a Prayer Meeting?
No -- Simply come to experience the life and love of Jesus, and as we are listening and praising and continuing to learn, we will find that the Holy Spirit will work in us to want to give back some of the love we have received through allowing the Holy Spirit in the use of the Gifts of the Gifts of the Spirit. The people that do speak are learning to let the Spirit lead them in how and when and what to say in the meeting.
What is a "Testimony"?
Telling how the Lord is working in your life. It will always be a first-hand experience, not another person's story. If the testimony is led by the Spirit, the result will be that the center of the testimony will be the honor and glory of Jesus, not the person sharing. (see John 16:14)
How Can I Grow Spiritually?
First, submit yourself to the Lordship of Jesus in prayer, and talk to God as your loving Father who wants to teach you. Take time to listen for God to respond to your prayers.
Second, take time every day to read the Word of God, the Bible, to learn about your Father and the love of Jesus for you, and to learn who God says you are as a part of His Son Jesus.
Third, act on the new understandings you get from your prayer and Bible reading. (see Matt. 7:24-27 and James 1:22-25)
Finally, submit yourself to God to become a part of a prayer meeting where other people are seeking spiritual growth as you are. Apply yourself to learn through attending the teachings that offered, and God will do the rest.
Is a Charismatic Prayer Meeting Based on the Bible?
Yes -- Jesus said, "Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in their midst." (Matt. 18:19-20). See also, 1 Cor. 14:26, Acts 2:42, Rev. 3:20-21, Rev. 22:17.
Why Do We Sing?
(Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:18-21)
Singing is a way of praying, praising, and worshipping God. St. Augustine said, "He who sings, prays twice." Songs can turn our hearts and thoughts toward God, and help us to understand the presence of Jesus if they are well selected. The meeting should not turn into a songfest. We should PAUSE between songs, readings, prophecies, etc., and LISTEN. This is the time the Holy Spirit can talk to us. We need silence to Reflect and allow the Spirit to work.
Why Do Some Greet Others with a Hug?
This is a sign of brotherhood and an action based on our faith that we Do Love with Jesus' Love. (se 1 Cor. 16-20;2 Cor. 13:12, 1 Thes. 5:26, and 1 Peter 5:14)
Is a Charismatic Prayer Meeting Like a Eucharistic Celebration?
Don't compare one with the other. In a prayer meeting, Jesus is present in a different way and for a different purpose. Both the Mass and the Charismatic Prayer Meeting are to bring glory to God as the Body of Christ, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Only, we worship Him from an informal viewpoint, rather than a structured celebration. At a "Charismatic Mass" we experience the combining of these two forms of worship.
Where Can I Read Something on the Holy Spirit in the Bible?
John 14:16 and 26; John 16:17 and 13; Acts 1:4 and 8; Acts 2:4, 17, and 38; Acts 4:31; Acts 5:32; Acts 8:17; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 19:5-6; Romans 5:3-5; Romans 8:1-17,26-27; 1 Cor. 2:6-16; 1 Cor. 3:16; Galatians 5:16-26, and many others.
Is Satan Real?
Yes -- The Bible, Jesus, and our Church have always taught that Satan is real, but Jesus has defeated Satan, the devil, for the Children of God, and the life of Jesus will keep us safe as we learn to obey the Holy Spirit.
What is the Importance of Prayer?
See Matt. 7:7, 21-22; Mark 11:22-26; Luke 18:1; Luke 11:1-13; John 15:7, 16; Eph. 6:18-19; Col. 4:2; 1 Thes. 5:17-18; James 5:16; Rev. 8:3-4; and many more.
What Should I Keep in Mind When Attending Prayer Meetings?

Come at least four or five times before making a judgement. It takes that long to understand how the Spirit is working.
Pray as you feel comfortable (and let others do the same)
Praying alone we are easily distracted; we support each other at a prayer meeting.
Pause between songs, readings, and teachings to allow the Spirit to work.
Don't concentrate on others -- concentrate on Jesus. Close your eyes to distractions around you and let the Holy Spirit open your spiritual eyes to see with faith.
All ages are welcome -- we are all children of God.
Prepare for the meetings, through prayer and scripture.
Don't be afraid, you are with friends. Don't let the devil discourage your.
You will experience the "Fruits of the Spirit" as you progress. (Gal. 5:22; 1 Cor. 12)
If you do not have an opportunity to speak or share at the meetings -- you may do so after the meeting with others.
If you have any questions, please don't leave until you get an answer. We love you -- and together we love God -- and HELP EACH OTHER AS BROTHERS AND SISTERS.

Praise, Honor, and Glory are Yours, Lord Jesus Christ!

St. Paul, Philippians, 1:9-11

Finally, "My prayer is that your love for each other may increase more and more and never stop improving your knowledge and deepening your perception so that you may always recognize what is best. This will help you to become pure and spotless and prepare for the Day of Christ when you will reach the perfect goodness which Jesus Christ produces in us for the glory and praise of God."

Based on a track printed by the Charismatic Catholic Renewal Office, Diocese of Oakland, California. P.O. Box 5127, Oakland, CA 94605. Reprinted, with permission.