oh, it *does* go in both directions

[cellio]

The job of a service leader is to lead the congregation in prayer. In other words, the leader serves the rest of the group. In my limited experience, this means the leader himself usually doesn't get to immerse himself in prayer in the same way he would out in the congregation. But if he does it right, he can help buoy the congregation, making it a little easier for them to pray.

This morning I was really tired (Dani snores), and I didn't have high expectations for my ability to lead. But I did, 'cause that's my job, and anyway, Dave (my mentor in that minyan) wasn't there. (I knew I was still competent, or I wouldn't have.) And you know what? Sometime during p'sukei d'zimra the congregration was helping to support me, which doesn't usually happen. I don't think they even knew it. Things went swimmingly from that point. It was pretty neat. While I've experienced that feeling in my congregation, I've not previously experienced it in this minyan.

Comments

[ichur72.livejournal.com]

This may be a superfluous question, but do you wear earplugs at night? Walt also snores, and they work wonders for me. Well, not 100% of the time, but they do help tremendously.

[indigodove.livejournal.com]

I've definitely found that leading my students in prayer is A Different Thing than my own prayer, but I get the spiritual fulfillment of leading them closer to God and teaching them different ways to pray. However, there have definitely been times when I've gotten some insight or moment of grace pretty much from them. And that is neat.

I'm glad you had this experience today!