There is no action on the part of Christian people more frequently stressed than that of prayer. Conversely, there is no activity less regularly engaged in by Christians than prayer.
This is especially true of corporate prayer. We all feel guilt over not praying enough; but few of us have clear vision and excitement about the potential and power that conies through corporate prayer.
What is Corporate Prayer?
The word "corporate" means "combined into one". Corporate prayer is prayer engaged by two or more persons, for the purpose of focusing upon one or more specific needs. It is based upon Jesus’ teaching on prayer in Matthew 18:19 which states, "…if’ any two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in Heaven. For where two or more come together in My Name, there I am with them."
The Early Church and Corporate Prayer
We read repeatedly in both the Old and New Testaments of God’s people coming together in groups as small as two or as large as thousands for the purpose of praying corporately. This was especially significant for the early church in light of Jesus’ promise in Matthew 2 1:22, "And al things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." They fully believed His promise and made it a part of their lives. Acts 1:14 tells us that "They all joined together constantly in prayer." We read further in Acts 2:42 that "They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breakingg of bread and to prayer."
Why Partnership Prayer is so Important
1. Jesus’ Promise
All who carefully study the promise given in Matthew 18:19 agree on the principles Jesus taught. Greater spiritual effect is realized when rnore than just one person prays than when we pray alone. Why is this true?
- Corporate prayer keeps us from being selfish in our prayers. God does not answer selfish or self-willed prayer. It is more difficult to pray selfishly when we are praying openly with others.
- lt is humbling to pray with others. We have to lay aside our pretenses and humbly submit. ourselves to God in order for our prayers to be blessed (James 4:6).
- Praying with others helps us to more dearly discern God’s will through the greater objectivity that comes through others (Proverbs 11:14).
- It builds a united purpose and vision, and fosters a greater love for one another (John 13:34-35).
2. Spiritual Warfare
When the Bible describes the challenges faced by Christians, it uses the language of war (2 Corinthians 10.3-4; Ephesians 6:10-20). The Bible warns that our conflict is not between human beings, but against the unseen spirits of darkness. Our weapons are not material but spiritual, with prayer as the primary weapon. Our prayer has greater force when we agree together.
3. Missed Opportunities
James 4:2 simply states, `You do not have, because you do not ask." We often complain because a need is not being met or a problem unresolved. This is frequently the result of our own failure. We don’t ask God, the source of all solutions and blessings. This is true for us as individuals, as well as for churches.
4. Protection Against Pride
Churches often become ineffective because of pride. Ministries which were once greatly used begin to take credit for what God has done (Daniel 5:28-37). Corporate prayer serves as a protection against forgetting that God is the source of our power and blessing.
5. Support for the Leadership
A famous Christian leader was once asked the secret of his success. He humbly replied, "People pray for me."
A remarkable illustration of this principle is found in Exodus 17:8-13. Moses had sent Joshua to fight the Amalakites, who had attacked Israel. Moses himself prayed for the Israelites. As long as Moses held up his hands in prayer, Joshua overcame the enemy. When fatigue left him unable to keep his hands up, the Amalakites prevailed against Israel. Aaron and Hur then came alongside Moses and held up Moses’ hands until the enemy was defeated.
This story is a wonderful allegory depicting the significant contribution Christians make in the success of the ministry by praying. They literally uphold the hands of those who are called to lead the fight in the spiritual battles of the church.
What About You?
Are you involved in a group which prays regularly for God’s directing and blessing of the church, it’s ministries and leaders? If you would like to know how you can join in corporate prayer with other believers, please see the weekly schedule in the bulletin or call the church office for more information.
Further reading:
- "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire – Jim Cymbala
- "Prayer" – Chuck Smith
