50 Days of Prayer for Fellowship CRC

Acts 1:24-25, “Then they prayed and said, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us …”

In today’s Scripture, the disciples were trying to learn their way forward following Jesus’ departure from this earth.  They were banded intimately together by belief in Jesus.  As such, they had been told simply to “wait.”  In Act 1:14, we learn that, as they waited, they were “constantly devoted to prayer.”   But even in their devoted prayerful waiting, they had business to attend to as a newly assembled congregation. They had to replace Judas, who was now dead.  How to do so? By praying together.  In their case they prayed over the casting of lots. They prayed together, seeking God’s will for their congregation.

Why is it crucial that we pray together?   For several reasons. First, so that we remember that it’s not about me. That is hard to remember in our hyper-individualize society. But praying together reminds us that there is always “we” to consider, not just “me.” Second, when we are trying to discern the will of God, it is about listening.  We are listening for God’s spoken or unspoken voice. The problem is, none of us hear completely correctly. When we pray together, we can compare notes, compare what we think we heard, confirming or correcting one another. And third, it places our faith out there for examination. What I mean is this: when I pray alone, I can pray great prayers of faith.  But when I pray with others, I am more likely to consider my words before they leave my lips, to ensure I really believe what I am saying. (I know this should not be true, I know I should always believe what I pray, but such are my feeble prayers.) 

Today’s simple message is, pray together. Pick up the phone, or go to see someone. You will be surprised what it will do your them, for you, and for your church.

So can we pray this together now?
Lord, you know our hearts. Show us your heart.  Show us how to listen, together. Show us your ways for our church as we move forward in uncertain times. Show us again the beauty and power of shared prayer. Amen.