The Prayer Huddle

They all joined together constantly in prayer… Acts 1:14

One of the most impacting practices in your ministry can be a “Prayer Huddle.” A “prayer huddle” is a brief pre-service prayer time for pastors, staff and volunteers. I highly recommend that it be apart of your service schedule.
In my first pastoral assignment, this was not the practice. This commonly resulted in miscommunication, disjointed services and a lack of cohesiveness and unity on the team. A few years later, I had the privilege to serve with a pastor who made it a habit to meet prior to every service to review the schedule and have us pray together as a team. Those few moments made a huge difference in ministry and moral.
The “prayer huddle” is not only a simple routine worth instituting, it is a practical and powerful practice that can produce positive and powerful results.
Here are 7 outcomes of the “Prayer Huddle”
1. It is an opportunity to quickly review the service schedule.
2. It is an opportunity to communicate any necessary adjustments.
3. It is an opportunity to answer questions the team may have about the service.
4. It is an opportunity to reaffirm the theme or focus of the day.
5. It is an opportunity to complement and affirm Team members.
6. It is an opportunity to share any special needs or concerns.
7. It is an opportunity to agree in prayer for God’s blessing and anointing.
Not long ago, I was invited to join a lead pastor as he met for his Sunday morning “prayer huddle” with his staff, and at least 3 dozen volunteers. We stood in the lobby in a circle as the pastor inspired us with the theme for the day and provided last minute directions for the service. Then we joined together in a brief time of prayer. As each person moved to their assigned place, the excitement and expectation of the team was very evident. This one regular habit has set this local church into a new season of growth and impact.
The Prayer Of A Lead Pastor For His Team
Father, thank you for the opportunities to minister today in your church. Thank you for the privilege of leading this team and the tasks before us. I pray that you will bring people from the north, south, east and west. I pray for your help as we serve. Help us to be energetic and engaging. Bless our efforts, we ask, in Jesus’ name, amen!

So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. Acts 13:3