public speaking

[forjesus]

If anyone has any advice to give me, I would really appreciate it. All my life i have been really scared to speak in front of crowds. I get so nervous, my voice shakes, and i just feel sick. I have now given myself to the Lord, and love to read my Bible, and attend church. Until recently i loved to listen to the sermons, and go to the altar and pray silently with my brothers and sisters, now however i fear that i will be called on to lead the congregation in prayer, and it terrifies me. It has gotten to the point that i leave the service early, or just think of a reason not to go. My private prayer life is wonderful, but i need advice. Should i tell my pastor my dilemma, or should i continue to torture myself? Please help. God Bless You All

 

[StogusMaximus]

I was nervous the first time I had to lead the church in prayer. After I was done, I started to think about the things I forgot to pray about, and how I stumbled over words, and how I said ummm every other word.

Then I realized that whatever I said was not wrong, it was not incorrect. What I said was perfect to God. Keep in mind that what you say during a prayer is not meant for the church, it doesn't matter what the conregation thinks about your prayer!

 

[forjesus]

Thanks for the reply. I was called on once last month, when we were taking up the offering, I was asked to asked the blessing of the offering. My wife told me i did good, as well as the pastor, but i still get terrified. I meet once a week with my pastor at the church just to pray. He is my prayer partner, as well as a great friend. We tell each other what is going on in our lives, and we pray for the church, and those in special need, and we also just give thanks. Its great to know God.

 

[StogusMaximus]

If it helps, try to think of youself being alone with God. The people around you are not eve there. Just you and God!

 

[Didymus]

tell your pastor. I have nor fear of public speaking but I still ge hyped before i do anything in public. That is good as It gives you a little kick so you try harder.
Church should be where you can try new things without getting critizied. I remember one guy who was a terriable singer but used to do a solo every few months.He improved because people offered him aadvice in a kind way. No one wanted to see him make a fool out of himself.

 

[forjesus]

No one in the church would ever be critical, or voice disapproval over this. This is my personal problem, I have the most caring, loving, Bible believing group to worship with i have ever seen. They will strengthen me if i only get the nerve to let them. God will give me strenght, and i will praise him for all ears to hear. God Bless and thanks

 

[patriarch]

One thing that might help is to become a lector, where you are reading the scriptures to the congregation. It's not your words, but you're still in front of a crowd. It may help take some of the edge off your fear.

Also, try teaching Sunday school to 5th graders. It's public speaking, but to a non-threatening audience.

LMG

 

[forjesus]

thanks for the advice, Could you please explain what a lector is, i don't think i've ever heard that. God Bless

 

[filosofer]

Lector is a term used to denote someone who reads the Scripture readings for the day. Most often the term is used in liturgical churches (Lutheran, Episcopalian, Roman Catholic, etc.), but any church can have readers/lectors.
Hope this helps.

-------
[For further info:

Lector is related to lectionary. In the early church portions of the Bible were selected to be read on each Sunday throughout the year. A lectionary lists all of the Sundays and the appropriate Scripture readings. Typically the readings would be:

one Old Testament section
one Epistle section
one Gospel section

Many hymnals list various types of lectionaries (1-year, 3-year, and 6-year are the most common).]

 

[filosofer]

As an additional help, read the Bible out loud, the louder the better. First that gets you used to hearing your own voice. Second, you will have to read slower the louder you read. Both will help those who listen to you when speaking in public.

 

[amie]

My prayers are with you...as you speak more, it will and does get easier...best of luck to you!

 

[forjesus]

thanks everyone, God Bless

 

[Godsgurl4ever2006]

i know what you are going through because i have to give my testammony and am very nervous

 

[Josh]

forjesus, i know what you mean about public speaking. i'm horrible at it. one thing i'd suggest: have whatever you are going to say planned out and pretty much memorized, and it will be much easier.

 

[Snor Snor]

Look at Moses: He was a horrible speaker who kept saying to God that He should send someone else to do the job in Egypt with the Israelites and lead them to the promised land. God helped him, and look who Moses turned out to be One of the most humbled, faithfullest to God who had ever lived.
I'm good at speaking to bunches of people, but I'm more worse of a speaker to individual people, and can't speak good at all.

I just prayed for you!

God bless you!