If you lead worship, preach, or serve in church leadership, you already know this: The first moments of a service can shape everything that follows.
People arrive in your sanctuary or join your livestream from all over the world, from busy cities in the USA, quiet suburbs in Canada, coastal towns in Australia, and beyond, carrying anxiety, exhaustion, questions, and hidden pain.
In those first 60–120 seconds, your opening prayer for church service can:
- Calm anxious hearts
- Refocus distracted minds
- Open people to the Holy Spirit
- Prepare the atmosphere for worship, the Word, and transformation
This isn’t just a “formal beginning.”
Powerful opening prayers for church services are often where breakthrough quietly begins.
In this guide, you’ll discover how to write and lead emotional, authoritative, and motivating opening prayers that connect with people in tier one countries and across the globe—whether they’ve been in church all their lives or are walking in for the very first time.
Why Opening Prayers For Church Services Matter So Much
It’s tempting to treat the opening prayer as a routine line on the service order. But effective pastors and worship leaders know it’s far more than that.
1. It Shifts People From “Everyday Life” Into “Sacred Space”
By the time people sit down:
- Some have fought with their spouse in the car.
- Some are carrying grief no one else sees.
- Some are wondering if God has forgotten them.
- Some are unsure they even believe.
A well-crafted opening prayer gently says:
“You’re safe here. Let’s breathe. Let’s turn our attention to God together.”
It acts like a spiritual reset button, helping people move from noise to stillness, from stress to surrender.
2. It Declares Who God Is Right From The Start
Before the first song or sermon, your opening prayer can remind everyone:
- God is present.
- God is faithful.
- God is powerful—and also tender.
- God sees every person in the room or online.
When you consistently start your services with truth-filled, Christ-centered opening prayers, you’re quietly discipling your congregation week after week.
3. It Creates Expectation
There is a huge difference between:
“Lord, be with us today…” (He already is.)
and
“Lord, we expect You to speak, move, and change lives in this place today.”
Opening prayers that carry expectation tell your people:
We are not just going through the motions. God is here, and something can happen.
Key Ingredients Of Powerful Opening Prayers For Church Services
Whether your congregation is traditional, contemporary, liturgical, or blended, the most impactful opening prayers usually share these core elements.
1. Authentic, Not Performed
You don’t need to sound like anyone else—just be real.
- Speak to God as you genuinely would.
- Avoid overly “churchy” language that no one uses in normal conversation.
- Let people hear humility and sincerity in your voice.
Authenticity builds trust. When you are real with God in front of your people, they feel permission to be real with Him too.
2. Christ-Centered And Biblically Grounded
The best opening prayers for church services:
- Acknowledge God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Reflect biblical truths about His character: loving, holy, merciful, just, near.
- Approach God through Jesus, not through our own efforts.
You don’t have to quote chapter and verse, but your language should naturally echo Scripture.
3. Brief But Weighty
In most contexts, an effective opening prayer is:
- Focused
- Clear
- Around 60–120 seconds
You’re not trying to pray for every need in the world.
You’re simply opening the service, opening hearts, and inviting God to lead.
4. Inclusive And Welcoming
Use language that embraces:
- Long-time members
- First-time visitors
- People watching online
- Those who are joyful
- Those who are barely holding on
Phrases like:
- “No matter how we’re arriving today…”
- “Whether this is our first time or our thousandth…”
…let people know: This prayer includes me.
5. Expectant And Hope-Filled
Powerful opening prayers don’t just describe problems; they invite God into them.
They sound like:
- “We believe You can heal.”
- “We believe You can restore relationships.”
- “We believe You can speak clearly to us today.”
Hope is contagious. Your prayer can carry it into the whole service.
How To Write An Opening Prayer For Church Service (Step-By-Step)
If you ever freeze up before the microphone, this simple structure will help.
Step 1: Prepare Your Heart Before You Prepare Your Words
Before you think about what to say:
- Take a quiet moment alone.
- Ask God, “What do You want to say to Your people as we begin?”
- Surrender your anxiety and ask Him to lead your thoughts.
The most impactful public prayers flow from a private connection with God.
Step 2: Identify The Focus Or Theme
Ask:
- What is the focus of today’s service? (e.g., hope, forgiveness, mission, thanksgiving)
- What are people in our community walking through right now?
- Is there a special context? (New Year, crisis, celebration, communion, baptism, etc.)
Choose one main idea you want to gently emphasize.
Step 3: Use This Simple, Reliable Framework
You can shape almost any opening prayer around these five moves:
- Address God
- “Heavenly Father…”
- “Gracious God…”
- “Lord Jesus…”
- Thank Him
- For life, salvation, another chance to gather, His presence.
- Acknowledge Our Reality
- “Some of us are joyful, some of us are hurting…”
- “We come from busy, noisy weeks…”
- Invite Him To Move
- “Open our hearts…”
- “Speak to us through Your Word…”
- “Meet each person exactly where they are…”
- Surrender The Service To Him
- “We give You this time…”
- “Let everything done here bring glory to Your name…”
End in Jesus’ name to clearly root your prayer in the gospel.
Sample Opening Prayers For Church Services (You Can Adapt Today)
Use these examples as inspiration. Feel free to adjust wording, length, or style to fit your church and culture. All are original and written for this guide.
Prayer 1: Short Opening Prayer For Sunday Service
“Father, we pause in this moment and turn our full attention to You.
You’ve carried us through another week—through joys and through struggles.
Now we lay every distraction at Your feet. Clear our minds.
Soften our hearts. Help us see Jesus more clearly today than when we walked in.
We invite You to lead this service from beginning to end.
Have Your way in us.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Prayer 2: Opening Prayer For A Traditional Sunday Morning Service
“Almighty and everlasting God,
We gather in Your house today with gratitude and awe.
You are holy, yet You welcome us.
You are powerful, yet You are gentle with our weakness.
Some of us come rejoicing, others come weary or confused—but all of us come needing You.
As we sing, read Scripture, pray, and listen to Your Word,
Let Your Spirit move freely among us.
Correct us where we are wrong, comfort us where we are hurting,
and strengthen us where we are weak.
May every part of this service bring honor to Your great name.
We pray this through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.”
Praer 3: Opening Prayer For Contemporary Or Youth-Focused Services
“God, thank You that we’re here—right now, in this moment.
You see every story behind every face in this room.
You know the battles we’re fighting, the questions we’re carrying,
and the things we’ve tried to hide from everyone else.
Thank You that we don’t have to pretend with You.
You already know, and You already care.
As we worship today, break through our defenses.
Show us that You’re not distant, but close.
Not cold, but full of love and mercy.
Speak to us in ways we can understand.
Change us from the inside out.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Praer 4: Opening Prayer For Online Or Hybrid Church Services
“Lord, today Your church gathers in many locations but with one heart.
Some of us are in the building, some in living rooms, kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices—
But You are present with each one of us.
Thank You that no screen, no distance, no time zone can separate us from Your love.
As we worship together across the USA, Canada, Australia, and around the world,
unite us by Your Spirit.
Help each person sense that they are truly part of this family,
no matter where they are watching from.
Open our ears to hear, our minds to understand, and our hearts to respond.
We offer this service to You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Prayer 5: Opening Prayer For Times Of Crisis Or Heavy Burden
“Merciful God,
We come before You today carrying more than we know how to handle.
Our world feels unstable. Our hearts feel heavy.
Some of us are grieving. Some are afraid. Some are numb.
Thank You that You invite us to come just as we are.
You are not overwhelmed by our questions or our pain.
In this service, be close to the brokenhearted.
Speak peace to anxious minds.
Remind us that even when we don’t understand what You are doing,
We can trust who You are.
Hold us together as Your people.
Do what only You can do in this place.
In the name of Jesus, our hope and our healer, Amen.”
Prayer 6: Welcome and Awareness of God’s Presence
Gracious Father, thank You for giving us this new day and the privilege of gathering together in Your name. We come as Your people, longing to honor You and to draw near to You. We ask that Your presence would fill this place and touch every person here. Open our hearts to receive what You desire to do among us. Like the psalmist who rejoiced about going into Your house, we too are glad to stand in this place of worship.
Let this service become a refuge where heavy loads are laid down, faith is built up, and weary souls are refreshed. May Your Word be proclaimed with clarity and power, and may our praise rise before You in a way that delights Your heart. Holy Spirit, lead every part of this gathering, and do far more than we could ever hope or imagine. We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
Prayer 7: Unity in the Body of Christ
Lord Almighty, we come before You today as one family, joined together through the sacrifice of Jesus. We ask that You would weave us together in genuine love, peace, and understanding as we worship You. Your Word tells us that love is what holds everything together in perfect oneness, and we ask to be clothed in that love today.
We silence every force that would seek to divide, distract, or discourage Your people. May Your Spirit knit our hearts together as we sing, pray, and listen to Your Word. Let everything that happens in this service reflect our unity in Christ and point back to Your goodness. Prepare us to receive Your truth with humble, joyful hearts. We place this entire service in Your hands, trusting You to move in power among us. All glory, honor, and praise belong to You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer 8: Thanksgiving and Gratitude
Heavenly Father, we come before You with thankful hearts. Thank You for preserving our lives, for watching over us this past week, and for bringing us safely into this time of worship. Your Word calls us to give thanks in every situation, knowing that this is Your will for us in Christ.
We thank You for the breath in our bodies, for the community of believers around us, and for the privilege of worshiping You freely. Forgive us for the times we have taken Your goodness for granted or complained instead of giving thanks. As we begin this service, may our gratitude open our hearts wide to receive from You. Let our praise powerfully invite Your presence, filling this place with Your joy and peace. We honor You today with our songs, our prayers, and our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer 9: God’s Word to Transform Lives
Father in heaven, we come before You with reverence and a deep sense of expectation. As Your Word is shared today, let it reach into the deepest places of our hearts and bring true change. You have said that Your Word is alive, powerful, and able to pierce and discern our innermost thoughts.
We ask that no one leave this gathering the same way they came. Tear down strongholds, heal wounded hearts, and renew our minds through the truth we hear. We lift up the one who will bring the message—fill them with boldness, clarity, and sensitivity to Your Spirit. Remove every distraction, every wandering thought, and every barrier that would keep us from hearing You clearly. Let the seed of Your Word fall on good, responsive soil and produce lasting fruit of righteousness in our lives. We give You the glory now for all You will do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer 10: Fresh Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
Loving Father, we lift our voices to welcome the Holy Spirit’s work among us. We confess that without Your Spirit, all our efforts are empty and powerless. Your Word reminds us that what truly matters is done not by human strength or ability, but by Your Spirit.
So we ask for a fresh touch from heaven today. Anoint the worship team, the ministers, and every person participating in this service. Holy Spirit, move freely in this place. Bring healing to the sick, freedom to the oppressed, and passion to hearts that have grown cold. Let this gathering be marked by Your presence, by miracles of grace, and by the joy of salvation. Pour out Your Spirit anew on every weary soul and strengthen those who feel weak. We offer this entire service to You and look with expectation for a powerful encounter with Your presence. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.
Prayer 11: Joyful Worship
Father, we are grateful for the privilege of worship. As we open our mouths in praise today, fill this room with joy that comes from knowing You. Your Word tells us to serve and worship You with gladness and to come before You with songs of joy.
Lift off every weight of sadness, worry, and distraction that would hinder our praise. Replace heaviness with a deep, unshakable joy.
Let every song we sing rise before You like a pleasing offering. May the sound of our worship usher in Your presence and bring comfort and healing to those who are weary. Help us to worship not only with our lips, but with sincere hearts fully devoted to You. Let what happens here be a small taste of the day when people from every nation and language will stand before Your throne. We give You our worship and exalt You as King over all. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen
Prayer 12: God’s Guidance Over the Service
Wise and sovereign Lord, we acknowledge that we need Your direction in everything we do. As we begin this service, we ask for Your guidance over every part of it. Your Word teaches us that when we submit our ways to You and look to You, You will make our paths straight.
Lead the worship, the preaching, and every moment in between so that all of it brings glory to Your name. Give clarity and discernment to every leader, musician, and minister. Remove confusion, disorder, and distraction, and replace them with Your peace and divine order. Turn our attention away from performance and human effort and fix our eyes on You alone. May every decision and every action align with Your perfect will, and may lives be changed for eternity as a result of this gathering. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer 13: Healing and Restoration
Compassionate Father, we draw near to You, believing that You are our healer and restorer. You have promised to bring health and healing to Your people and to mend what is broken.
We lift up all who are sick in body, tired in soul, or crushed in spirit. Stretch out Your hand and bring wholeness in every area—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Restore families that are strained, rekindle faith that has grown weak, and mend hearts that are wounded. Let this service be a place where the power of Jesus’ suffering and stripes is experienced in real, tangible ways. May many leave today with testimonies of Your healing touch and restoring grace. Holy Spirit, breathe new life into every dry and weary place. We thank You in advance for miracles, breakthroughs, and renewal. In Jesus’ powerful name, Amen.
Prayer 14: Breakthrough and Deliverance
Mighty God, we present this service before You and declare it to be a time of freedom and breakthrough. Your Word tells us that where Your Spirit is, there is true liberty.
We ask that every chain of bondage be shattered in the name of Jesus. Let fear, oppression, addiction, and every form of spiritual captivity lose its grip today. Father, we ask for breakthroughs in finances, relationships, careers, health, and ministries represented in this place. May this gathering be a holy encounter where strongholds are torn down and Your people step into new levels of victory and purpose. Ignite a fresh fire within us so that we walk out of here freer and more devoted to You than ever before. Lord, we invite Your Spirit of deliverance to move mightily among us, and we praise You for the freedom that is ours in Christ. Amen
Prayer 15: Spiritual Renewal
Holy Father, we come before You with a longing to be renewed from the inside out. We echo the cry of the psalmist who asked You to create a clean heart and to renew a right spirit within him.
We admit that we sometimes grow tired, distracted, and distant from You. Today, we lay all of that at Your feet and invite You to refresh us. Breathe new life into our spirits by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Rekindle our first love for Jesus and restore our passion for prayer, Your Word, and holy living. Let this service become a turning point where wandering hearts come back to You and weary souls find rest. Empower us to be lights in this dark world, clearly reflecting the love and truth of Christ. Thank You that You are faithful to restore and renew. We set apart this time for You and believe for deep spiritual renewal. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer 16: God’s Glory Filling the House
Glorious God, we gather in Your name with one ultimate desire—that Your presence and glory would fill this place. Just as Your glory filled the temple of old, we ask that You would fill this house of worship today.
Let Your presence overshadow every distraction, calm every anxious heart, and set every soul ablaze with awe and reverence for You. May this not be an ordinary service, but one marked by Your unmistakable touch. Let signs, wonders, and changed lives testify to Your greatness, not to our efforts. Holy Spirit, saturate this atmosphere with a sense of Your holiness and power. We gladly yield to You and invite You to move as You desire. Father, may Your glory shine brighter than anything we could plan or produce. We honor You and surrender all to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer 17: Peace in God’s Presence
Prince of Peace, we turn our hearts to You as we begin this service. Your Word promises a peace that goes beyond human understanding, a peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ.
We ask You to quiet every voice of fear, anxiety, and confusion within us. Let this place become a shelter of calm in the midst of life’s storms. We pray for Your peace over our homes, our church, our community, and our nation. As we worship and listen to Your Word, may troubled hearts find rest and worried minds find assurance. Unite us in Your peace and help us to trust that You are in control. We declare that no weapon formed against us will succeed, because You are our refuge and stronghold. We choose to rest in Your peace today. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Prayer 18: God’s Favor Over the Congregation
Gracious Lord, we come before Your throne of grace, asking for Your favor to rest upon us freshly. Your Word says that You bless the righteous and surround them with favor like a shield.
Lord, let Your favor open doors that seemed closed, release provision where there has been lack, and bring unexpected blessings into the lives of Your people. As Your Word is proclaimed today, let Your promises of kindness and mercy come alive in us. May this entire service be filled with evidence of Your gracious hand at work. Anoint every song, every prayer, and every message with Your grace and power. We believe that You can do immeasurably more than we could ask or think. Thank You for loving us and covering us with Your favor. We dedicate this time to You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer 19: Repentance and Forgiveness
Holy and righteous God, we bow our hearts before You, recognizing our need for Your mercy. We confess that we have sinned and fallen short of Your perfect standard. Your Word assures us that when we confess our sins, You are faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us.
We ask You to wash us clean through the blood of Jesus. Remove every stain of guilt, shame, and condemnation. Replace it with the freedom, grace, and joy that come from being forgiven. As we enter into this service, we want to stand before You with clean hands and pure hearts. Let our worship arise from hearts that have been made right with You. Restore our fellowship with You and renew in us the joy of Your salvation. We thank You for Your endless mercy and unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer 20: Revival in the Church
Sovereign Lord, we cry out to You for revival in our midst. Just as Your servants in Scripture pleaded for You to renew Your work in their day, we ask You to do a fresh work among us now.
Awaken every heart that has grown complacent or cold. Stir within us a deep hunger for Your presence and for righteous living. Let this service be a spark that ignites a larger move of Your Spirit in our church, our community, and beyond. Send a revival that transforms lives, brings prodigals home, and saves those who are far from You. May Your Word be preached with urgency and power, and may Your Spirit draw people closer to Jesus. Use this time to birth a renewed passion for prayer, holiness, and the spread of the Gospel. Let revival begin with us, here and now. In Jesus’ powerful name, Amen.
Prayer 21: God’s Protection Over the Service
Heavenly Father, thank You for gathering us in this place today. As we open this service, we ask for Your divine protection over everyone present and those joining us online. Your Word assures us that You command Your angels to watch over those who trust in You.
Place a hedge of protection around this building, around every family represented, and around all who will serve today. We cancel every assignment of the enemy and declare that this environment is covered by the blood of Jesus. No weapon formed against us will prevail, and every tongue raised in accusation will be brought to nothing. Let this service be a place of safety, where Your people can worship and receive from You without fear. Guard us from physical harm, spiritual attack, and distraction. We trust fully in Your sheltering care. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer 22: Open Hearts to Receive the Word
Gracious God, we come together with a desire to hear Your voice. As Your Word is shared today, we ask that our hearts would be wide open to receive it. Jesus spoke of hearts like good soil that hear the Word, hold on to it, and bear much fruit.
Let our hearts be that kind of soil today. Pull up every root of doubt, pride, and distraction that would resist Your truth. Plant Your Word deep within us and let it bring lasting change to the way we think, speak, and live. Empower the one who speaks to do so with boldness, clarity, and sensitivity to Your Spirit. We offer our minds and our hearts to You, ready to receive all that You want to say. Thank You for the life-giving power of Your Word. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Prayer 23: For the Next Generation
Almighty God, we lift up the children, teenagers, and young adults in our church. We thank You for each life and the unique calling You have placed upon them. Your Word tells us that when children are trained in Your ways, they will not depart from them even as they grow older.
We ask that this service be a moment where the next generation encounters You in a real and personal way. Raise up young men and women who will stand boldly for truth and carry the message of Jesus to their schools, workplaces, and the nations. Guard their hearts and minds from the traps and lies of the enemy. Fill them with wisdom, courage, and a passion for Your presence. Strengthen parents, teachers, and leaders with the grace to guide them well. May a holy fire be lit in them today that will never go out. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer 24: Evangelism and Salvation of Souls
Heavenly Father, we come before You with a deep burden for those who do not yet know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Your Son came to seek and rescue those who are lost, and we ask that this service would be a powerful expression of that mission.
Open the hearts of those who are far from You, those who are unsure of their faith, and those who have wandered away. Draw them to Yourself by the power of the Holy Spirit. Let the message of the cross be proclaimed with clarity, love, and conviction, cutting through unbelief and hardness of heart. May today be the day of salvation for many. Use every part of this gathering—our worship, our prayers, our fellowship, and the preaching—to point people directly to Jesus. We thank You in advance for every life that will be changed and every soul that will be added to Your kingdom. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Prayer 25: Dedication of the Service
Sovereign and faithful God, as we begin this time together, we place this entire service into Your hands. Your Word teaches us that when we commit our plans to You, You establish and direct them.
We surrender every song, every prayer, every announcement, and every message to Your will. May nothing be done for personal recognition or human applause, but only to lift up the name of Jesus. Let this gathering honor You and build up Your people. We ask that each person here have a personal encounter with You today. Establish the work of our hands and carry out Your purpose in our midst. We declare this service to be holy and set apart for You alone. Receive our worship and pour out Your blessings on us as we seek Your face. All glory, praise, and honor belong to You, Lord. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
How To Lead Opening Prayers With Confidence (Even If You’re Nervous)
Many pastors, elders, and volunteers admit they feel intimidated praying out loud. That’s normal. Here are practical tips to help you serve with calm authority.
1. Practice Out Loud Before The Service
Even a one-minute rehearsal makes a huge difference.
- Listen for awkward phrasing.
- Trim long sentences.
- Check your timing (aim for about 1–2 minutes).
You’re not “reading a script”—you’re preparing your heart and tongue to serve people well.
2. Slow Down And Breathe
Nerves often make us rush. As you pray:
- Take a deep breath before starting.
- Speak a bit slower than normal conversation.
- Allow short pauses between thoughts.
Those little silences give people time to absorb and agree in their hearts.
3. Use Simple, Clear Language
Avoid:
- Complicated theological terms
- Long, tangled sentences
- Repeated filler phrases (like “Father God” every second word)
Aim for:
- Warm, plain language
- Concrete images (burdens, storms, questions, joy)
- Phrases people can easily follow and echo silently
4. Remember Who You’re Actually Talking To
You are not performing for the congregation.
You are speaking to God on behalf of the congregation.
When you focus on Him—His goodness, His nearness, His love—people sense it, and the prayer carries weight.
Common Mistakes To Avoid In Opening Prayers For Church Services
If you want your opening prayers to be impactful, steer clear of these frequent pitfalls.
1. Turning The Prayer Into A Mini-Sermon
Prayer is a conversation with God, not a second sermon aimed at the congregation.
Avoid preaching “at” people through your prayer.
2. Using Prayer Time For Announcements
“Lord, please remind everyone about the potluck next Saturday at 6 p.m…”
Announcements have their place—but it’s not here.
Keep your opening prayer focused on worship, surrender, and encounter.
3. Making It Too Long
If people start shifting in their seats, you’ve probably gone too far.
Long, unfocused prayers can drain energy at the very moment you’re trying to build it.
4. Ignoring Visitors And Those Who Struggle
If your prayer assumes:
- Everyone is happy
- Everyone is spiritually strong
- Everyone knows church language
…you exclude people who are hurting, doubting, or new.
Always create space in your words for them too.
5. Repeating The Same Clichés Every Week
When you use identical phrases every Sunday, people tune out.
Ask God for fresh language and perspective. He is not boring—and your prayers don’t have to be either.
Final Thoughts: Your Next Opening Prayer Could Change Someone’s Story
Somebody will walk into your church this weekend—or click your livestream—on the edge of giving up.
They may be:
- A burned-out parent who hasn’t felt God’s presence in years
- A teenager secretly battling anxiety or addiction
- A successful professional whose private life is collapsing
- A lonely senior is wondering if anyone still sees them
Your opening prayer for church service might be the first time in a long time they hear:
“You’re welcome here. God sees you. God cares. God is near.”
When you approach those few minutes with intention, humility, and expectation, you’re doing far more than filling space at the start of a program. You are:
- Opening the door for the Holy Spirit to move
- Aligning hearts with heaven
- Preparing the ground for the seed of the Word
- Offering hope to people who desperately need it
You don’t have to be perfect.
You just have to be available, authentic, and anchored in God’s truth.
The next time you’re asked to give the opening prayer for your church service—whether in the USA, Canada, Australia, or anywhere in the world—remember:
You are not just starting a meeting. You are inviting a King. You are welcoming a Father.
You are helping a room full of souls turn their eyes to the One who can change everything.
And that might make your simple, sincere opening prayer the most important words spoken all week.
