Prayer And Black Spirituality

Not only does the prayer of Black people reflect the various elements of their heritage, but it also brings together their personal religion and vital social reform. Prayer has undergirded and directed the significant work of Black people in bringing change to social and political patterns in the United States.

The Presbyterian Church (USA) Directory for Worship boldly states that "Prayer is at the heart of worship." In prayer we respond to God in many ways: adoration, thanksgiving, confession, supplication, intercession, illumination, and Eucharist. While these categories of prayer may not have been formally identified, the intent of each has been historically found in black worship. Prayer itself was considered a gift. Some members were well noted as a "praying" deacon or sister. Preachers were automatically expected to be good prayers, who really could draw from the well of divine wisdom and "carry us to the throne of grace."
Newberry, Edward B. Institute for Reformed Theology. Report. http://reformedtheology.org/SiteFiles/Winter2004/Essay_Newberry.html (accessed July 18, 2009).

This section of the webpage will periodically change as there are so many ministries and groups that are incorporating new prayer/praise into worship, which is more commonly called liturgical dance. Liturgical dance is often considered a sub-category of modern dance. But in practice, liturgical dance may also contain elements of ballet, jazz, and even hip-hop.

Many religions use dance as a form of worship, and "liturgy," in its most basic definition, means simply "a rite or body of rites prescribed for public worship." However, the term "liturgical dance" usually refers to dance that's used for public worship within the Christian religion.

Because liturgical dance is intended as a form of worship, liturgical dancers often call their work "ministering" instead of "performing." The dancers want the congregation or the audience to worship along with them. Liturgical dancers aren't trying to attract praise for themselves. This is very consistent with the posture of the praying deacon and so I see some continuity here.

Ministering currently is: A sub-group of the International Gospel Choir of Acadia (IGCA) dances to medley: "We Fall Down" - Donnie McClurkin, "Holiness" - Micah Stampley and "The Prayer" - Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams... Let's watch.