As a catechist, you will be called upon to lead prayer services from time to time. Here are some additional things to consider when leading such services.

Know your assembly.
Be aware of the age level of your assembly and their faith development as well as their level of maturity.

Prepare.
As when planning a session, be sure of your focus, theme, and goal. Envision the prayer, feel the flow, get a sense of space, time, sound, silence, and so on. Select Readers and assign roles ahead of time. If possible, rehearse with those chosen to read.

Include silence.
Our lives are noisy already. Much of our prayer is too wordy. Allow for periods of silence. Be sure to include silence during the prayer service, perhaps after a prayer or a reading.

Give instructions beforehand.
There's nothing worse than interrupting a prayer to give directions such as “the left side takes this part, and the right side takes that part!”

Be creative.
Consider using appropriate visuals (video, DVD, slides, PowerPoint, and so on).

Encourage spontaneous prayer.
Not everyone is comfortable with spontaneous prayer, but it is a form of prayer that needs to be taught and fostered.

Proclaim.
Throughout the prayer service speak clearly and slowly. Proclamation is more than merely reading the text and less than a dramatic performance. As you speak, try not to bury your head in the text; look at the assembly as much as possible. Speaking in this way will help to involve the participants.

Move with reverence.
Moving with reverence means moving not too quickly or slowly, and not stiffly, but with ease and regard for what you are doing.

By following these simple suggestions, you can involve yourself effectively and wholeheartedly in a prayer service so that others will follow.

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