04/25/2026
Although I was born into Catholicism, I was never taught to pray out loud. In my current faith community, it is highly encouraged. I remember initially feeling embarrassed and thinking, absolutely not. It took me a year before I could even gather the courage to say one small prayer with someone. There was such a choke on my ability to vocalize my faith. But it was actually a choke on my ability to speak up about the truth, clarity and conviction. And that can be scary! But there is freedom on the other side āļø
Some of the greatest breakthroughs in my faith have come through spoken prayer and intercessionāwhether it was others praying over me or me praying for others. It has been such a life-changing experience in lifting burdens, healing my heavy heart and being overcome with thanksgiving and grace. It can feel clumsy and awkward at first, but it is such a powerful way of allowing the Holy Spirit to work through you.
Itās something you have to practice. Most people arenāt comfortable with it from the start. This is part of developing confidence in your authority in Christ, learning to protect your spirit, and interceding in faith for the protection of others as well.
Genuine spoken prayer can help us express our faith, agreement, and encouragement. It can serve as a bold declaration in the spirit, helping us stand against personal struggles. It can release emotional burdens and foster a deeper, more intimate connection with God. Confessing also within trusted groups also fosters unity and allows us to learn from one another.
āAgain, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.āļæ½ā Matthew 18:19ā20 (NIV)
