[The believers] all joined together constantly in prayer”

Acts 1:14 (NIV)

 

Prayer was an integral part of the early Christian life. The believers in Acts gathered together to pray regularly, often with remarkable results. Through their prayers, they were able to participate in the divine work of God, as their faith in Him was strengthened and deepened.

We all need to spend some time praying alone, but it is also beneficial to join with others in prayer. Community prayer strengthen the spiritual life and health of the church. We pray because we know God hears us. We pray because we want to hear God. We pray because we want to experience God together.

The phrase, “joined together” is more than physical proximity. It has to do with agreeing and abiding with God and each other as we pray and discern God’s preferred future for us.

Make prayer a priority and practice whenever you gather over a meal, meeting or ministry. Be blessed that God knows what we want before we ask. (Matthew 6:8). Be blessed that it is God who calls us to pray and be open to what He prompts us to pray.

Praying together brings greater unity, collaboration and love. When we are focused on God's heart for the hour, mutual submission becomes evident, effortless, and possible. Let’s pray that we can become one in prayer, not just within the church but between churches, seeking God’s perfect will for our city and our world. Then, our prayers become prayers of compassion, justice and healing for the nations and peoples of the world.