It is the explicit will of God that men pray in every place. The Son of God is our great example in this regard as well: He prayed at the Jordan, in a barren place, in the desert, on the mountain, at the tomb of Lazarus, in the upper room, in Gethsemane, and on Calvary. He did not have a rigid or legal prayer life that was limited to certain places and certain times of day.

We can see this when we think of His prayer times: He prayed early in the morning before sunrise (Mk. 1:35), in the morning (Lk. 23:34), in the afternoon (Lk. 23:46), in the evening (Mt. 14:23), and during the night (Lk. 6:12).

God has given men a special responsibility with regard to public prayer. This is especially true of the prayer meetings in the local assembly. The Lord Jesus once said with regard to the house of God, “It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer” (Mt. 21:13). God’s dwelling place should be marked especially by prayer. Since the sisters are to remain silent in the meetings (1 Cor. 14:34), it is the duty of the brothers to pray aloud in the prayer meetings.

Why is it that the prayer meeting in particular is often the least attended meeting of the local assembly—even though the Lord has promised that He will be present when we gather in His name (Mt. 18:20)? Why are there often such long pauses between prayers? Young brothers, let the Lord use you to pray aloud in prayer meetings! He rejoices in this. Surely more believers would again be motivated to come to the prayer meetings if prayer were more lively, more specific, shorter, and more expectant. You can be an example to others in this too.

And sisters, it should also be completely normal for you to pray when we come together as a local assembly—though not out loud. How valuable and effective are the silent prayers for spiritual guidance and prophetic words in the meetings!