Many churches call their Wednesday night gathering “prayer meeting.” I supposed the name described the evening’s activities at one time in history.
We church folks talk a big talk about believing in the power of prayer. We make bold statements like, “Prayer changes things.” We promise to pray for others we know who face great life challenges. But the service that bears the name “prayer meeting” remains the least attended service on the church calendar. Prayer meeting has become the church’s Great Omission.
Many churches experience the largest Wednesday attendance when the church is having a congregational meeting to vote on “business.” Conversely, the Wednesday night meeting called “prayer meeting” usually involves very little group prayer. Bible study, prayer requests, and family supper usually occupy more time on the agenda than prayer.