T.W. Hunt once said that: The closer the bond, the more powerful the prayer; the higher the unity, the greater the authority in prayer.
2 Chronicles 7:14
“if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
This verse provides for us an understanding that when united it yields increased power and authority in prayer.
Paul addresses this theme in 3 sets of verses
Ephesians 6:18-19
“praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,”
Colossians 4:3
“At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—”
2 Thessalonians 3:1
“Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you,”
There are 2 things to note about praying with others:
1) The prayer of others strengthens our praying
2) Others see factors that you may have failed to see
Hezekiah and Isaiah became prayer partners when Judah was threatened.
2 Chronicles 32:20-21
“Then Hezekiah the king and Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, prayed because of this and cried to heaven. And the Lord sent an angel, who cut off all the mighty warriors and commanders and officers in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he came into the house of his god, some of his own sons struck him down there with the sword.”
God answered when the one who was the ruler united in prayer with the one who was the prophet.
2 Corinthians 1:11
“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.”
Here we see that Paul acknowledged the power that praying together has. Praying together demonstrates that we are the people of God.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Edmund Burke. It was true over 200 years ago and so true today.
Today there is no better time for us to seek a fresh visitation from God upon our lives, homes, churches, communities, and country. Let us pray together today and every day.
This past Sunday Franklin Graham challenged churches to pray on what was Pentecost Sunday. I know we took the time to pray in Tallahassee at Immanuel. You may well have done so in your church, too.
I encourage you to use these points to pray together throughout today. Pray for our communities, our states, nation, and the world.
As we pray for an OUTPOURING of His wisdom and direction for our leaders and officials who are dealing with this crisis.
God, change hearts, and heal this divide in our nation.
1) Pray for PEACE, because “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20).
2) Pray for PERSPECTIVE, because “the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17).
3) Pray for PATIENCE, because of God’s “kindness and forbearance and patience” toward us all (Romans 2:4).
A thought to ponder,
Elbert Nasworthy
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