61. Audible Responses
• 1 min. read • grade level: 7
“G. C. R.,” Hull. We are not aware of any scripture authority for repeated responses during prayer; nor does 1 Corinthians 14:1616Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? (1 Corinthians 14:16) define when or how often we should say Amen. It simply teaches that one cannot say Amen at all, unless he understands what is said. As to the practice of audible responses during the time of prayer, we may say that we need to watch against extremes on both sides. We have, in some cases, been disturbed by an excess in the practice. In other cases, we have deplored the entire absence of it. It is happy for the one who leads in prayer to know that he has the assembly with him; but care should be taken not to disturb the order and solemnity of the worship.