IT'S PARADE NIGHT AGAIN!

1. HATS' OFF FOR PRAYER. Praying with boys.

When Jesus taught his disciples to pray he told them to address the Sovereign, Creator Lord of the cosmos as Abba, Father! What a privilege!

What a privilege, too, for us to be able to lead our boys in prayer when we meet with them each week.

But what actually happens in practice? Do we rush off a few words about asking God to bless our activities, remembering those who are not able to be present and asking that we may all enjoy ourselves? Or maybe the prayer doesn't get included at all!

Our Object reminds us that we seek to "advance Christ's Kingdom among boys". Praying with our boys is one of the opportunities we have of keeping faith with our Object. Ask yourself this question:

"What messages do my boys pick up from my prayers?"

If you feel that the prayer side of your programme could be improved then you may like to consider the following thoughts:

1. Praying for your boys should normally be part of your private prayers, and the prayers of the church. Usually on a Parade Night you will want to pray with the boys.

2. Remember that there are different types of prayer: praise, sorry, please and thank you prayers. Do boys experience all types?

3. Should the prayer be extempore i.e. spoken with little or no preparation, or could the prayer be prepared in advance, written down and then read? Should you consider using the published prayers written by others? If you already use a book when was it published? Is it time to look for a more modern one? Could a boy read a prayer ? either from a book or one written by himself?

4. Could the prayer be linked with the Bible Story or other story/teaching, if there is one? See also leaflet 5 in this series.

5. Is the prayer suitable for the age of your boys? This is particularly important when joint devotions between sections are held.

6. Would the company benefit from a Section Prayer/Vesper? If so what steps will you need to take to ensure that it is recited in a sincere way? If it is written down and displayed on a poster ensure that it can be read easily. Use lower case letters and paper and pen of a suitable colour! If the prayer is of a metrical (verse) form then write it in this way!

7. How many of your boys can recite the Lord's Prayer? Should this be included sometimes?