Prayer is a part of the whole presentation of our worship. Matthew Henry even goes so far as to say in his comments on Ezra 9:1–15 that prayer may preach. Now there is a very, very fine line there, because I do not think you make announcements during your prayers. You do not say,
Terry L. JohnsonLord, help so and so who have been struggling with such and such and teach him not to do that anymore.You do not begin to lecture at people directly and individually, or make announcements,O Lord, help them to remember the prayer meeting that is at 6:30…No, you can abuse what the element of prayer is in itself. But in its integrity as a prayer—and it is not a sermon, it is not an exhortation—it, in fact, does instruct, edify, and if properly done it also sanctify. Consequently, Ezra's prayer will have a tremendous impact on those who hear it. I believe that it is deliberate. He waits until the evening sacrifice so that there will be a crowd there to hear, not what he says, but what he prays.1
4 Auprès de moi s'assemblèrent tous ceux que faisaient trembler les paroles du Dieu d'Israël, à cause du péché des fils de la captivité; et moi, je restai assis et désolé, jusqu'à l'offrande du soir.