Have you ever participated in a prayer meeting or a small prayer group? Do you know what your church is praying for as a group?
I once asked a sister-in-Christ to serve as my prayer partner for a short time. The time we spent praying together was very special. We shared and prayed in one accord. Currently, I participate in a larger group that gets together on Sunday mornings to pray between Sunday school and the morning service.
It was easy for me to pray with a friend, but when I was new to the concept of getting together as a group for the express purpose of expressing needs, and then praying over those needs as a group, I found it well – awkward. I am not sure why. Maybe it was because I did not know what would be expected of me. Perhaps that holds other folks back from taking part in a prayer group.
If we are not participating in a prayer group, we are missing an opportunity to meet and pray in one accord. Examples of group prayer can be seen in scripture. Right after the ascension of Christ, we see the following passage.
Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
Acts 1:12-14
Another example of prayer in the early church can be seen in Acts 12.
Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
Acts 12:5
The answer came for the prayers of this faithful church that prayed without ceasing.
And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
Acts 12:6-8
I encourage you to take part in a prayer group that prays with one accord. If your church does not have one, maybe you can consider starting one.
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.
Psalms 66:18-20
Today’s challenge is to pray in one accord and in God’s will for your church, the presence of the Holy Spirit in your services, revival, your pastor, and his family. Also remember to pray for the missionaries. They face so much each day.