A most important function of divine service is that of communal prayer. In Ecclesial meetings, the presiding brother has the onerous duty of leading the congregation to the Father in prayer. He can do so in such a manner as to move the worshippers by the words uttered, or he can leave them cold and untouched by the exercise.

Communal prayer needs to be a blend of intellect and emotion.
As the Hebrews considered the heart as the seat of intellect, they looked upon the kidneys as the seat of feeling or emotion; and it is significant, that the kidneys were always offered in sacrifice. We read of Yahweh "trying the heart and reins," and in such expressions, the reins are the kidneys. He tries our intellect and our feelings to see if one conforms with the other; and whether both conform to His truth.

Great care, therefore, needs to be exercised in communal prayer. A prayer offered at a memorial meeting should be completely different to one offered at a meeting for the proclamation of the Word. In the former, the congregation is engaged in intimate communion with the Father; in the latter, His blessing is sought upon the proclamation of the Truth to strangers.

It is distressing to hear meaningless phrases used in prayer; that great care should be taken by the presiding brother to express his words aright. Nor should we lecture God when praying at a meeting for the proclamation of the Gospel. How often have we heard the presiding brother, on such occasions, launch into a dissertation upon the Gospel, the need of baptism, details concerning Christ's coming and our need to be ready for him. How much better, a simple prayer, direct to God, asking for His help and blessing on the proclamation of the Gospel.

There are a number of examples in Scripture of communal prayer being offered in such a way as to deeply move the audience. A remarkable instance is that of Ezra's prayer recorded in Ezra chapters 9 and 10. Ezra recognised how crucial was the occasion, and took time off to thoroughly prepare himself for the important duty placed upon him. Firstly, he carefully considered the problem. As he recognised the gravity of it, he humbled himself before God, expressing regret and shame for the national sin that had been committed. Then followed the composition of the communal prayer he intended to utter; and this exercised his closest attention. Its objective was carefully considered; its words were carefully selected; its presentation was carefully made.

It had a tremendous impact upon the people. They were deeply moved by the consciousness of their guilt, the extent of their iniquity, and the need of seeking the forgiveness of God.
Thus Ezra's prayer acted as an exhortation as well as being a petition.
The people were induced by it to act in accordance to the will of God: it had a vital impact upon their acceptance of His way.

In like manner, presiding brethren occupy a most important position on the Ecclesial platform. Let them recognise this, and so give careful attention to the expressions of prayer that they will offer on behalf of the community before them, as they lead it into the presence of God (Cp. 3:1). Perhaps the example of Ezra can assist in indicating what can be done.