I recently wrote about the need for and value of corporate prayer. This morning I was reminded again of the prayer of many and the impact that can be from that prayer.
“11You 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.” – 2 Corinthians 1:11 (ESV)
Here Paul has written to the church at Corinth and is speaking of the comfort of the LORD. He is explaining that there have been difficulties for he and Timothy and yet, even in those difficulties, God has provided comfort and contentment. He and Timothy also have no reason to think that God’s provision will not continue. Yet, he wants the people to know that the way they can help is to pray. Not just pray, but pray as many. Remember what Jesus said:
“19Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” – Matthew 18:19-20 (ESV)
God will be with us and grant us when we are praying with our heart. And as you see in the words of Jesus above, He will grant the requests of two or more who are praying with their hearts for the same thing.
It is great to pray alone and frankly it is refreshing to speak to God and share with Him all that is in need of being shared. And to do that in our prayer closet in solitude with Him is such a private and powerful opportunity to communicate with God. But, as I can see here, I do not have to be alone in my requests. I should be open to others joining me to pray with the power of many.
It may not feel like everything should be shared and that some things are to remain private. But, our brothers and sisters in Christ are not here to judge us. They are here to lift us up and help us through any and all situations. It is up to us to seek out the help we need, even when that help is just the power of the prayer of the many.
What does your prayer look like? Are you out there going it alone for fear that others don’t need to know your business? What if you asked others to pray for you and were able to get them to use the power of prayer of the many?
Trevor's Thoughts 