Being together in prayer is what’s important.
Len Baxter, Elder
James 5:13-16
13 Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful?
He should sing praises. 14 Is anyone among you sick? He should call for the
elders of the church, and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil
in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer of faith will save the sick person,
and the Lord will raise him up; if he has committed sins, he will be
forgiven.16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one
another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is
very powerful in its effect.
Psalm 34:34 “Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together”
What is corporate prayer? Corporate prayer is simply praying as one. When
we gather together and combine our prayers as one body of Christ the
results are powerful.
What Does the Bible Teach about Corporate Prayer?
Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I
with them.”
Whether large groups or small, what Jesus taught here was that as we
gather for a time of prayer as communities, He would be right there
with us, interceding for us. It’s not that He’s not with us when we pray
alone it’s that He knew we needed the times of praying together and
sensing His presence together.
Some reasons why corporate prayer is essential for the church:
1. Corporate Prayer Unifies the Body of Christ
Prayer is communing and conversing with God. As we converse with God and yield our hearts to Him, He brings our will into perfect alignment with His. As we pray together, our hearts are more deeply knit with God’s heart and with each other. We are given a glimpse of the unity we’ll enjoy in heaven.
Corporate prayer connects us around a common purpose; seeking God’s heart. As we pray as a unified group, with one heart and one mouth, we glorify the Lord.
Romans 15:6 “that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”
2. Corporate Prayer Edifies and Encourages Those Who Participate
When we gather together to pray and seek the heart of God, our hearts are encouraged. Life is hard and our difficulties are many. Some of us may be struggling with issues too personal to mention but as we pray in unity with other believers, our hearts are re-focused on God.
Our faith is strengthened by remembering His grace and goodness.
The Holy Spirit brings us reassurance and comfort through the prayers of others. That’s why Hebrews reminds us to not forsake meeting together.
Hebrews 10:23-25 “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
As we pray together our hearts are opened towards the needs of others. The Holy Spirit will often speak and show us how we can specifically encourage one another.
3. Corporate Prayer Disciples Believers in Prayer
As we gather together for prayer, new believers are able to learn from those who are more mature in their faith. As those new to the faith listen to others praying, they will learn prayer techniques such as praying Scripture, listening in silence for God’s response, interceding on behalf of others, and methods of praising and worshipping God. In essence, they will be discipled in prayer.
4. Corporate Prayer Strengthens Weakened Faith
When our faith is fragile and doubt is creeping in, corporate prayer and worship can strengthen us as we lean into the faith of others.
1 John 5:14-15 “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
Surrounding ourselves with strong prayer warriors strengthens our faith.
5. Corporate Prayer Can Facilitate Corporate Repentance
As we come together and confess our sins, the temptation to judge each other will lessen. Instead, we’ll realize we are all sinners in desperate need of grace. As we receive His grace, a fresh awakening to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit will result.
Let’s remember… We’re not here to impress each other. We’re here to meet with God.
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Len Baxter serves as the Chairman of our Elders. He is married to his amazing wife, Doreen, has three adult kids and a growing army of grandchildren. He is has owned and operated Baxter Builders since 1993.