Sunday May 7, 2006 | Scott Boren
The prophetess Anna understood the importance of praying with others. She spoke to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Today, we often live our lives isolated from otheres and are too busy to align ourselves with other believers. Anna shows us that being involved in a community of believers is an essential part of our walk with God. By looking at what Jesus taught in Matthew 18:19-20, we can learn three practical guidelines for cultivating a deeper fellowship with others in prayer.
The prophetess Anna understood the importance of praying with others. She spoke to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Today, we often live our lives isolated from others and are too busy to align ourselves with other believers. Anna shows us that being involved in a community of believers is an essential part of our walk with God. By looking at what Jesus taught in Matthew 18:19-20, we can learn three practical guidelines for cultivating a deeper fellowship with others in prayer.
The first guideline is that prayer is not solely an isolated experience between God and “me.” We are encouraged in scripture to pray with two or three others. “For where two or three come together in my name there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). We need persons in our lives that can pray with us. It is important to connect with others who are also willing to give up everything for each other and follow Christ. By praying with two or more persons we are encouraged and challenged to think and pray differently than if we were just praying alone.
The second guideline is to pray together in Jesus’ name. “For where two or three come together in my name there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). It is in his name that we gather, nothing else. Jesus is the center of our lives which includes our friendships and relationships. When we come together to pray, we are seeking God to lead and direct. It is by his rule, authority and control, that we come together to pray and ask for guidance, healing and direction.
The third guideline is to understand the power of prayer. “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:19). Praying only by yourself can become very self-focused. By praying and speaking the truth in love to one another, our focus shifts from us to God. We are then on the same page and can listen to what Jesus is saying together. We then know how to pray, because our focus is directed towards seeking God. This is life giving, transformational and powerful.
As we see in scripture, God has designed us to live in community and to pray with one another. Such life together will increase the joy we experience with God. Happiness, laughter and the enjoyment of life are gifts from God and he loves to share them with us.