Strengthening the Faithful through Prayer
The first prayer recorded in the Bible was a prayer of intercession by Abraham for the people of Sodom (Genesis 18:23-33). Intercession means to make a request or petition on behalf of or for the benefit of another person or persons. In intercession, the believer acts as an intermediary between God and man. Other examples of intercessory prayers include Moses praying for sinning Israel (Exodus 32:1-14); Jesus’ prayer for Peter (Luke 22:31-32); and the high-priestly prayer by Jesus in John 17 on behalf of the apostles and then for us (all believers). In contrast to our prayers for others today, most of the prayers by Paul and others in the Word were mostly spiritual—for spiritual growth, an increase in wisdom and knowledge of God, a greater experience of God’s love, etc.
Our economic prosperity has us thinking we are okay and without need. Let’s be honest with ourselves, we have developed a Christianity of convenience and comfort rather than character and commitment. There are many ways that we can provide help. But the one way that each one of us can strengthen others is through prayer. It is the most accessible avenue and the most powerful resource available to nearly everyone. Prayer can do anything that God can do and since God can do anything, prayer is potentially omnipotent.
We need to stand together and support each other in the tasks and needs that God we face. There is tremendous impact when we unite in prayer. A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a tripe-braided cord is not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12, NLT)
Another blessing of joint prayer is the experience of genuine joy: Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full (John 16:24, NIV).
Finally, when believers unite in prayer, spiritual power is multiplied. After Peter and John were released, they joined the disciples and their prayer had the following result: After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly (Acts 4:31).
When believers join in prayer, the sense of mutual dependence on God and on each other is deepened, believers are encouraged, needs are met, and God’s people realize more of what it means to be a part of a loving and caring community!
