Sure, here is a scripture from The Bible before we begin our prayer: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God." - Philippians 4:6
Offering a prayer for the pastor before they begin preaching is important as it provides spiritual support and guidance. It helps the pastor connect with God and seek wisdom and strength to deliver a meaningful message to the congregation. This act of prayer shows respect and appreciation for the pastor's role in leading and teaching the community.
After reading Scripture, you might express a heartfelt prayer or reflection, thanking God for the insights received. Consider sharing how the passage resonates with your life or what lessons you can apply. You could also invite others to discuss their thoughts on the reading, fostering a deeper understanding and connection with the text.
Since no scripture verse was brought forward, we cannot say that he meant scripture
In prayer.
could be 'prelude'. Could be 'preamble' Might be 'precursor'. Could be 'build up'
A Prayer Request is when someone asks for a prayer from others. This could be going to friends, a post on Facebook, or online at a prayer request site like GODPleaseHearMe.
Clergy normally accept that they will lead prayers, however, it is still good manners to ask them prior to calling upon them if they could be prepared to lead a prayer. This gives them time to gather their thoughts. It also is helpful if you give the priest an idea of what the prayer is about. I.e "Father would you mind leading the grace when we serve the meal?", or "Father would you mind blessing the meeting before we start?", or "Father could you please say a prayer for xxx, he is ill/deceased/serving in the military/etc?" It is common courtesy to introduce the priest, especially if he is not know by everyone. Here is how you would address clergy... In spoken conversation, you would call your priest "Father (last name)." In spoken conversation, you would call your bishop "Bishop (last name)" or "Your Excellency." Archbishops follow the same protocol as bishops. Cardinals are addressed as "Cardinal (last name)" or "Your Eminence." The shorter the introduction the better. Something like "Father (last name), would you mind leading us in prayer?" or "Your Excellency, could you please open this meeting with a prayer?"
This is said by Antonio in Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice.
Hassock
NO!
Closing eyes is not written in scripture anywhere, it's more often taught to prevent children from being distracted while they pray. I don't know of any denomination that enforces the closing of eyes... any attempt to regulate the prayer of others would not put the instigator in a good place with God.
Matthew 17:19-21 - Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." [NKJV]