Opening prayers exist for a variety of religious events and gatherings where people with religious convictions are found. There are opening prayers for Bible studies, church services, weddings and even business meetings. Most opening prayers contain requests to keep God’s (or whichever deity the group believes in or follows) presence at the event to bring good fortune to everyone involved.
The words or verses in an opening prayer depend on the purpose of the occasion. If an opening prayer is required for a meeting, it may contain language that asks for assistance in maintaining good communication among the partners. An opening prayer for a wedding may ask that the couple continue to receive blessings throughout their walk in life together.
Opening prayers may be of varying lengths, with some very brief and some longer. One short opening prayer, as listed in the1979 Book of Common Prayer from the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, reads as follows: “Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.” Alleluia may be added to the end of this prayer unless the Lent holiday is being observed.
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Here is a collection of opening and closing prayers that can be used
for meetings, sunday school classes, and prayer groups.
Also, we invite you to add your own opening or closing prayers using the form at the bottom of this page.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another ” and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Table of contents
Opening Prayers
Prayer to Open a Meeting
Lord, as we gather today at this meeting we ask that
You will be in our midst. Help us to make decisions that will be
pleasing to You. Help us to be able to discuss the matters at
hand in a reasonable way, and to be willing to give up having our own way.
God let this meeting be productive and, as should be the case
in all areas of our lives, help us to keep You at the forefront of our minds
as we do the work set before us.
Amen
Prayer Before Sunday School
Jesus as we gather together to learn about You,
may You meet us here. Help all of the teachers to be able
to answer the questions posed, and help all of the children
listen and retain what they hear.
Help the students to be attentive, and the teachers
to be patient. May the lessons that are taught help to
instill righteousness in these children, and may the seeds
planted here continue to guide them throughout their lives.
Amen
Teachers Prayer Before Class
You, O God, are my strength, my patience, my light and my counsel.
It is you who make responsive to me the students confided to my care.
Abandon me not to myself for one moment.
For my own conduct and for that of my students, grant me the spirit
of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of knowledge and piety,
the spirit of holy fear of you, and an ardent zeal to procure your glory.
I unite my efforts to those of Jesus Christ, the master teacher,
and I beg all saints in Heaven to assist me in the exercise of my teaching ministry.
Amen
Prepare Our Minds
O God of truth, prepare our minds
To hear and heed your holy word;
Fill every heart that longs for you
With your mysterious presence, Lord.
Almighty Father, with your Son
And blessed Spirit, hear our prayer:
Teach us to love eternal truth
And seek its freedom everywhere.
Amen
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Closing Prayers
Prayer to Close a Meeting
As we close this meeting, Lord, we want to give honor to You.
Thank You, God, for the time we had today to discuss issues and make decisions.
May You bless each person who took the time to gather here today and let
Your hand of protection be on them throughout the rest of the week.
Let the work done here tonight come to fruition, and let it all be
for Your glory. Help us each to do our parts to bring the plans discussed to life.
Amen
End of Service Prayer
God we thank You for meeting us here tonight, and for delivering
Your Word through the speaker. May each soul in this place have been
touched through the songs and the preaching, and may each take to heart
the Word that came forth.
We pray that those seeking an answer received it, and that those
who needed a special touch were granted that touch. Bless each of us
and keep us safe until we are able to gather together again.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen
Go Forth
Go forth in peace, for you have followed the good road.
Go forth without fear, for God who created You has made you holy,
has always protected you, and loves you as a mother.
Amen
The Dismissal
Now go into the world with confidence, trusting that Christ is walking with you.
Amen
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”
Read bible verses about Teachers or Missions.
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