Jesus wants to be Lord of our times together. He is not the honored guest but the Master of Ceremonies. If we are to follow the Holy Spirit in a gathering, it is important to know how to hear him in a group context. How do you know what is the Holy Spirit and what is your own thoughts?
The best way we know of to do this is to participate fully in what is going on, making it your own vehicle of communication with the Lord. Then what comes spontaneously to mind (a flow of spontaneous thoughts) is likely to be the Holy Spirit communicating with you. So for example, if someone is giving a praise report or praising God in prayer, and a certain song comes to mind, that is likely to be the Holy Spirit. So you suggest that the group sings it (or if you have the confidence, start the song). Then maybe that song prompts someone else to bring a word of prophecy, or reminds them of a Scripture. As one and another trusts the Lord and speaks out as he prompts, the Holy Spirit leads.
What doesn't work so well is to sit there thinking, "I wonder if anyone is going to say anything. Maybe I'll lead out in prayer," or "Is there a song that would fit in with that Scripture?" These are not spontaneous thoughts, and although the Holy Spirit can lead in that way, he is much more likely to do so as we join in fully with what the Spirit is currently doing.
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