Abstract:
For many worshippers, prayer in the worship service is not always appropriated
positively. In this article, a practical theological exploration regarding prayer in the
liturgy is undertaken. By means of a spiral movement between theory and praxis,
the phenomenon is scrutinised. After a description of the current practice and an
attempt at explaining this state of affairs, the work of three liturgists is presented
for a more normative perspective. Finally, some guidelines are formulated for a
renewed theory for praxis in the light of the preceding exploration. In essence, it
is argued that prayer is an essential part of the Reformed liturgy for which good
preparation is essential and that a re-appreciation of the rightful place and meaning
of (different forms of) prayer in the liturgy can contribute to enrich the practice for
both worshippers and those leading in worship.
