10/23/2021
There are times when it is more appropriate to pray alone, but it is also good to pray with one another when we pray for common causes, or in intercession for one of our brethren. Scripture tells us that we are to pray in secret, that Jesus would separate himself from the others to pray, and that prophets spoke alone with God, but there are other times when the disciples came together in joint prayer, and the Israelites came together before God in prayer. Praying together can be uplifting to us personally as we reinforce one another in our commitment, cause, and devotion, but it also increases the power of our petition, and the acceptance of God’s answer.
“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.”
Acts 1:14 KJV
The disciples prayed together as they waited for the arrival of the Holy Spirit, and at the same time they prayed together as they sought a replacement for Judas Iscariot. These common goals and desires united them in prayer, but it also bound them in the acceptance of God’s answer to it. There are many times when we agree on a goal, but not on how we should get there. Perhaps we need a new church building, but what should it look like? Maybe we want to go on pilgrimage, but where should we go? These, and so many other needs, and decisions, warrant joint prayer, not only in our desire, but in accepting God’s answer when it arrives. Praying separately for a common desire doesn’t achieve the same end result that praying together as one does in such instances. Together our purpose is cemented together into one common plea, as our spirits begin to come together through the words we offer up. Together we receive God’s answer, and as we come to know His will we are joined in it. Do we make group decisions, and ask for joint provision, by praying together?
“Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.”
James 5:14-15 KJV
Then there is the power that joint prayer provides us. God knows our individual hearts, but by Praying as one for something the power of our separate prayers is focused. When I was a boy I loved to play with a magnifying glass. I liked to take a piece of paper and use my glass to focus the sunlight on it in a single pinpoint of light. The paper would begin to smoke, and then burst into flame. The magnifying glass didn’t create more light, it just took the light that was already there, and redirected it; thus making it more powerful. This is what joint prayer does… it takes the broad array of our independent prayers, and using our glass of faith it focuses them as one into a pinpoint of power on a specific need. The prayers of the elders are then able to heal, and more than that they can forgive sin… the power of praying focused through joint prayer, through our glass which is Jesus Christ, gains unimaginable strength. Our common prayer, prayed in His name, and focused through Him…
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:17 ESV
So we need our intimate and individual times of prayer that increase our relationship with God, and cause our faith to grow, and we should pray these very personal prayers in secret so that we don’t become prideful, or hypocritical, but we absolutely need joint prayer. We need to come together as one group, one church, one nation, and one people, as we direct our prayers through the lense of Jesus Christ. In this way we focus them into a single point of light, and the smoke, that is the incense of Heaven, and the flame, which is our answer of God, is thus made obvious to all. Then in another common prayer of thanksgiving we give Him the glory… powerfully, fervently, and in one voice of joyful praise.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
So individually and together let’s ask ourselves… Do we pray jointly as we should?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus who is the focus that directs our prayers to you. Thank you for our joint prayer that when prayed individually is weakened, but when prayed together as one is powerful indeed. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who knows our hearts, but desires our prayers. Praised be your name for each answered prayer, and for the power that our joint prayers carry as they come together. We lift up our needs, as individuals, and as a people, and you are faithful in answering them. The name of Jesus gives power to our prayers, and is like a golden bowl as it brings them before you. Hear our prayers this day Father, wash us clean with the blood of your Son Jesus so that we will be worthy as we pray them, and then mercifully answer each one in its perfect time. Lord, bring us together, not only in our prayers, but also in how we receive your answers. Let us know your will, and be sealed in it always.
“You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.”
2 Corinthians 1:11 ESV
Rich Forbes