Speaking up!

[Kehaar]

Hello all!

Wanted to ask for some advice I'm not really a shy person, but I do find myself 'quiet' in unfamiliar settings etc.

I have recently started attending quite a charasmatic church, where alot of people are very open and outgoing in their worship, praise and prayer. They also run a number of outreach events which is an area I'd very much like to become involved in....yet I feel put off. Primarily, I think this is down to both my 'newness' at both this church and as a christian - I feel I don't know enough and that puts me off speaking and contributing.

I also attend cell groups/house groups where we will have a time of open prayer. I have been told and reassured a dozen times that if I do not feel comfortable praying 'aloud' then I don't need to. Trouble is - I do wish to be able to pray aloud - its something I do in private and I don't understand why I should have such a problem with it. Even last week I had a friend round for dinner who ended up saying grace because I felt quite unable to do it.

I feel its silly, something I should be able to overcome. If I can speak aloud to God in private, why can't I do it in public? I think part of it stems from the fear of being new - perhaps I will sound clumsy, or say something inappropriate, or just generally mess up....but its not how I want to be.

Does anyone have any advice? I would also like to do some more research into getting involved in outreach work too, so could anyone suggest anything they think I should be doing or reading etc?

Thank you,

Astral

 

[rogsr]

See if your new church does volunteering at homeless shelters or soup kitchens. Working with the poor is a good place to begin in my opinion .

 

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

Well, always make sure what your church is doing is Biblical first. After that, know that God hears you the same whether you pray silently or out loud. You aren't praying to people, but to God. Don't worry about them, pray to please God.

 

[Rafael]

Don't worry. It will come. Ask God to give you strength and courage for such events and you'll be surprised with a quick victory, I'm sure.

2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

 

[kbean]

One of the greatest benefits of being a Christian -in this life on earth- is the freedom from earthly bondage, that God offers to you.
All my life I have been weak in personality, in confidence and very dependant upon the approval of others for my own sense of validity.
One of the results of this insecurity has been an inability to speak in public (even very small groups).
Coming to Christ has granted me freedom after 30 years of these bonds of self-conciousness. I am now God-concious and seek His approval only.
This has lead me to praying and expressing gratitude to God freely and without reservation out-loud to others. I have recently began praying for our food and leading prayer at the dinner table, before my unbelieving husband. This is done because of the strenght Christ gives me. Not by my own. I had tried secular methods of 'developing confidence'/self-esteem' -all invain. The bible clearly teaches me that (being the only believer in my house) I am the one to be the example for my kids. So I have prayed to overcome this fear of 'public' worship for their sake at the very least.
I am still a work in progress, I have a hard time sometimes and fall backward, esp. at church if I am asked to speak or give testimony or what-have you, but it's getting better all the time.
It will take time and prayer, but God will work His way through you and you will find your tongue eventually. Trust me if it happened to me, it can happen for you too!
As stated earlier, know that God is listening, don't let Him down and you won't have to worry about others.

 

[allieisme]

I did and sometimes still do have troubles praying out loud and for me, its because I think I know people are watching and listening to me, all the while they are praying themselves. The way I think of it, is that satan doesnt want you to speak up, your fearful at least I was, as to what others would think of me, and when I thought of it that way, I thought, well thats not of God, He wouldnt make me fear other people, or think they are laughing at me.. So really, that makes me more at ease when I think of it that way.
You shouldnt feel silly nor dumb for feeling this way, maybe what you can do is pray about the outreach programs and if you feel God leading you in that direction, you will become more open that way, and praying with others or yourself will come naturally.
I'll be praying for ya

 

[WashedClean]

Hi Astral

Welcome to the family of Christ followers! Praise God for saving you!!

I have been a Christian for a little over three years, and I still can't pray in public. In fact, I just posted this thread a few days ago, you might want to check it out since it addresses this very topic:
www.christianforums.com/t690789

I know it will come in time. I'm so eager to pray, but I get tongue tied. Sometimes when someone else is praying, you can lend support by saying "Amen" or "yes Lord" in agreement.

Just give it time. God is the potter, we are the clay.

Love in Him,

Jill

 

[Yebo]

Greetings from a sunny South Africa


Just some simple advice from a simple man.

To pray is like talking to your best friend. Simply close your eyes and picture Jesus and then simply tell him what is in your heart. He surely knows it already 'cause He placed it there.

Be BLESSED by the BEST and stay within the confinements of PEACE

 

[Kehaar]

Thanks to all who replied!

Astral

 

[Sketcher]

Pray for the courage to do so, and I believe He'll help you out. Especially in that environment, where it's all very open. Don't worry about how fancy or glitzy it sounds. You're not praying aloud to please them, but Him.

 

[Wave3Girl]

Yea, i have the same problem.

A while back i felt really out of place during worship. While everyone would be singing and lifting their hands...i would nervously just stand. One night i prayed for God to take away all my insecurities and help me to focus entirely on him. That very night, i let go and worshipped God like never before.

So all i can say is pray and be patient. God will answer your prayers.