Word for the day: “The impact of prayer.”
Matthew 18:19 (KJV) Again, I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.
BELOVED LEADERS,
I wanted to say to all leaders reading today’s message that there is power in united prayer. It is better to pray with your fellow team, family, and friends than to pray solo. Of course, it is great to pray for yourself. However, the ability to gather with other believers for prayer is truly remarkable. Standing together in corporate prayer with others is a force that can’t be compared. Please try it and notice the power erected to God and from God.
THE CORPORATE PRAYER IMPACT IS A FORCE TO BE EMBRACED.
The power of corporate prayer refers to united prayer, which can bring encouragement to all who participate in the prayer movement. There may be those in the group who are struggling with trials and temptations. As they are lifted in prayer, the Holy Spirit encourages and reassures them of the Lord’s love, grace, and promises. Why does this matter?
Faith leaders and believers praying together could be compared to Roman soldiers in battle. Maybe you have seen their military tactics depicted in a movie. The Roman soldiers used their shields very effectively. They would form a wall with their shields when they went into battle.
When the Roman soldiers came under attack, they positioned themselves in battle formation, creating a united front. They pulled their shields together on all sides and overhead to deflect the barrage of arrows. Then, they would break out and counterattack. It was a very effective military maneuver.
We literally do the same thing when we are united together in prayer. We unite our shields, rather than one person going it alone in battle with a single shield and sword. We all stand together as a wall of prayer warriors, aligned in warfare and connected with the Lord our God.
THE RIGHT INFORMATION ABOUT CORPORATE PRAYER IS ESSENTIAL.
In today’s passage, notice that Jesus gave us this promise in Matthew 18:19: “If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.” First, let’s understand what this does not mean. It does not mean that two Christians can get together and decide to pray for the same thing, and it will automatically happen.
Sometimes, our prayers may not align with God’s will. So, just because two misguided believers agree about one thing doesn’t mean that God necessarily will answer their prayer. When people of God somehow think that these verses give them a “name it and claim it card” to be able to ask God for anything, it is a deep misinterpretation of the passage.
Just because two or three people gather together in Jesus’ name, they don’t acquire some mystical power that assures God will answer their prayers according to their wishes. Yes, Jesus is present when people pray together, but our Master is equally present when a believer prays individually. Corporate prayer isn’t about gathering enough people to pray until God surrenders His will to our own.
Instead, prayer (both corporate and private) is about cooperating with God, surrendering our desires, and submitting to God’s will. Always remember that the safest place in the whole wide world is in the will of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ.
POINT TO PONDER
The ultimate purpose of corporate prayer is to align with God’s will. Thus, we are praying together for something that we know God wants to do. Let’s align our will with the Lord’s and pray together in unity.
How are you doing with your Prayer life?
When do you engage in corporate prayer?
How often do you engage in private prayer?
Can you see how prayer links you to God?
Do you believe we should pray for our leaders?
Did you learn anything from today’s message?
Join us every Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. on the Grace and Truth Leadership Zoom conference call for corporate leadership prayer. The Meeting ID is 879 6767 1576, and the Password Is 980651.
Special Thanks,
Chief Encouragement Officer (CEO) James Baker, Jr., and our leadership team are incredibly thankful to those aligned with us. Help us equip this generation of leaders for their God-given assignments. Your generous donation supports our labor of love, From Grace and Truth Leadership's mission to embrace, empower, and encourage leaders and emerging leaders globally.