Praying Together

Praying Together
Matthew 7:7; 18:19
Rev Renny Khoo
3 Sept 2017

God hears our prayer because His spirit searches our hearts when we pray, while earnestness is imperative to prayer but the content is also important. We should mature and improve skills in prayer, pray knowing who we are in Christ Jesus.

Why pray together?
Nothing wrong with private prayer, but there is biblical basis and power in corporate prayer. 33/37 references of prayer in gospel, Jesus addressed prayer, YOU in  the “plural” setting. Matthew 7:7 & 18:19, refers and emphasize the importance of group praying together. Acts has also numerous examples of people praying together.

1. Why pray?
i) Establish afresh your relationship with God. Praying is more for our sake and not God’s sake. Asking deepen the relationship, because communication is involved in relationship. Emotional tank is filled when affirmation given in communication.

ii) Declare your full dependence on God. John 16 “ask and you will receive, and your joy will be completed”,  ask in context of your relationship with the Lord, not only when in need. The posture of asking should be in all season, not only when in need. Learn talking to God. Learn to pause and ask and not making decision quickly. Sharpening our ear to hear Him.

iii) Experience anew God’s presence. Just be there, the power of “presence”. Keeping company with God.

2. Why pray together? As a community of faith.
When praying together, it takes away the individualistic assumption that Christianity is only about God and me. As we participate in corporate prayer, we becomes aware that our lives are tied up with one another, we become aware of what is happening in the community of faith. Do you know the desires of the church both local and nationwide? When praying together, the desires of the churches across the nation become obvious and we cry to God together. When coming together, we learn to worship God and honor Him.

Conclusion
1. Corporate prayer is on par with preaching and teaching in a healthy church.
2. Take one step forward in your participation and confidence in corporate prayer.

Currently, West Coast Parish churches coming together in prayer, though there may be differences in language, style of prayer, but what is important is everyone is coming together to pray. An urge and invitation is again extended to all to come and join the corporate body in prayer. We must learn to put aside prejudices, unfamiliarity, preferred style of prayer, style of worship and choose to come. This will be an expression of unity. It is ok that we are not “perfect” because God is bigger than all. God loves His church.

Questions :

1. Share about your prayer life. Who and what do you often pray for?
2. What are some of your experiences praying corporately?
3. Prayer is about a relationship with God. It is about “keeping company” with God. What are some “harmful” practices to that relationship?
4. As a CG, refer to NECF booklet and pray together on some of the issues listed. End the session by praying over someone, make it short.