An investigation into the phenomena and practices of spiritual ...

the same time. This continued for about 30 minutes. The Pastor then asked one person topray, to conclude this section of the meeting. A song and the closing prayer by thepastor follows this and the ‗benediction‘ (Now may the saving Grace of our Lord andSaviour Jesus Christ, rest remain and abide with us all), is repeated by everyone present.A greeting to ‗welcome‘ me and one or two members of the prayer meeting followed this.This greeting felt distanced. There was no real warmth. Any warmth was superficialalthough probably someone outside the ‘faith‘ would view this as a warm welcome.Prayer meeting 2 COGIC‗The moderator gave n introductory speech of encouragement about the Christian faithand why we should pray, to the group. I was offered a hymnbook, but no bible this time.A Pentecostal prayer where everyone prays at the same time, but prays their ownindividual prayer was offered as a means of dedication of the service.The service continued with the singing of Hymn 325 from the Redemption Songshymnbook. This was followed by a session of loud and articulated praise and worship.This was followed by another session of Pentecostal prayer. Each person adoptedadifferent prayer position such as kneeling or sitting. The moderator stood for thisprayer session. Following this session there was a general praise and worship sessionduring which one member of the group became very animated, shouting praises. Somemembers spoke in tongues and another member began to rebuke the devil in English.Those who attend prayer meetings regularly include particularly the older womenmembers of the church. The prayer meetings have a similar format to the services onSunday except that the emphasis is on prayer. The recorded observation of both servicesillustrates the similarities in the format and structure of the services.251