The Power of Collective Prayer

 

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.” *

I am increasingly grateful for the collective prayers of Christians and also increasingly convinced that we should take advantage of every opportunity to pray for and with other people.

            When my nephew James became very ill with the covid virus, family members joined together in prayer for him, “praying day and night…” as one person put it. The request was sent out to friends, extended family, church groups and a great network of believers across the country, many of whom had never even met the seventeen-year-old.

In spite of the prayers, James seemed to get worse as the days progressed. His fever went up to 106 degrees and stayed there for what seemed like a very long time, especially to his immediate family who were caring for him. A trip to the hospital resulted in him being sent home after only a brief stay, with the words no one likes to hear, “There’s nothing more we can do!”

Well, there was something we could do—pray and not give up hope that the Lord would touch him and bring healing. So, we did. Many folks asked daily how James was doing, sharing the burden and concern for this young man. 

What great news when my sister Jill wrote that the fever had broken!  He was exhausted and weak from the ordeal, and his body still needed to completely heal from the virus; but he was improving. Such rejoicing!

I love the following two stories which illustrate the amazing way God moves when people pray together in unity for specific requests. In the Old Testament account of Queen Esther, she was implored by her uncle Mordecai to approach the king on behalf of the exiled Jews, who were in danger of being exterminated.

Esther, a Jew, knew that she might receive the death penalty herself if she came before the king without his invitation. Mordecai reminded her of her roots and responsibility to act.   ^“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:15 NIV)

She complied with his request, but asked him to gather the Jews living in Susa, the capital city, together to fast for three days and three nights before she approached the king as he sat on his throne. 

Mordecai together with his people and Esther and her attendants fasted, with the result that not only did the king receive her favorably, he also took actions to spare the lives of her people. Through their act of humility, God moved in an amazing way to change the king’s heart.

Then there is the story of Peter’s arrest by King Herod, who was cracking down on the early church in Jerusalem. Things didn’t look good for Peter, especially after Herod had ordered the death of James, one of Jesus’ closest disciples.

Believers had secretly assembled in a home, praying in desperation for his release when…“Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. ‘Quick, get up!’ he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists… When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying.” (Acts 12:7, 12 NIV)

This is our time, our calling as followers of Jesus to intercede for those who are ill; for missionaries who have been kidnapped as they serve the Lord in other countries; for an end to the covid virus and all of its variants around the world; and for the salvation of those who are searching and need him… Then there is the persecuted church, whose main request is “Pray for us!”

The list is endless and the need is great. How can we remain silent when God waits to hear His people pray?

 Burn this desire into our hearts O Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen

*Colossians 4: 2-3 NIV

Note: Sunday, November 7^th has been designated as the International Day of Prayer for the persecuted church.