Scripted Prayers

Many of us have been to multiple churches in our lives. Among evangelical/fundamental churches, services range from the highly formal (reformed denominations) to highly informal (charismatic denominations). One element of the service that can slide notably from one end of the formality range to the other is that of a pastoral or (for lack of a better term) main prayer offered during the service. In the informal services, the person praying may have thought little of preparation and be "winging" it based on whatever thought may emerge at the moment. A prayer leader in more formal services may be reading the prayer from a prepared manuscript.

I'm sure we can all think of good points and bad points for each practice. Leading a congregation through stumbling, potentially heretical mistakes of doctrine, and disjointed thought structure surely isn't the ideal. Yet prepared prayers often sound prepared which may war against the purpose and even desire for a united cry to the Lord.

What do you think is the best way for a church to conduct corporate prayer?

Is Financial Giving an Element of Corporte Worship?

Tithing and other offerings were a matter of the Law in the old covenant days. With the New Covenant, tithing (as a matter of law) ceased. People, however, have needs. Ministries have needs. We continue to give financially based on patterns of love and sacrifice shown and taught in the NT. But is there a preferred method for how these gifts should be given? Most individual churches act as collectors and administrators of financial gifts. I suppose that is a good thing as long as it doesn't psychologically separate the giver from the recipient. Churches should make sure that the givers know where each dollar is going--not just to ensure accountability by the church organization but also so the givers can take a conscious and prayerful part in the ministering effect of the gifts.

Most churches pass the plate to receive an offering as part of a Sunday morning service. Is this time involved with the offering something that, indeed, should be part of the service? Asking a question with "should" in it can mean different things. I am not asking merely is this Scripturally right, but, assuming the Bible may be silent as to the question of when and how an offering MUST be gathered, I want to know for reasons of efficiency, effectiveness, piety, etc. whether plate-passing is something you think belongs in a service or should the gathering be done differently. Some churches have receptacles in the lobbies of their church buildings for private giving. Is this a good thing? What are your impressions?