By Jacqui – One of God’s Intercessors
As I mentor newer intercessors in intercessory prayer, I am learning that many find it difficult to pray with others. Here are just a couple of the comments that have arisen. “I don’t feel comfortable praying aloud because others will hear what I pray.” “Why don’t YOU just pray, I don’t really know what to say.” A sincere question also arose. “What are you thinking about while the other people are praying?”
Perhaps, you’re nodding your head thinking, “Yes, that’s me.” I prefer to keep my prayer life private. In fact, I prefer it so private that no one will ever know what I prayed. Why do I need to pray with others? Good question. And, yes, the Bible does have an answer to that. Let’s take a quick look.
Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. Matthew 18:19-20 When the scripture says, “gathered in my name” this indicates praying in the name of Jesus. Jesus was instructing his disciples to meet and
pray together.
Let’s keep going. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. James 5:14
The scripture says, “let them pray over him”. When James wrote to the early Christian churches he instructed them to have a group of elders praying over the sick person.
Let’s look at just one more. In the book of Acts, after the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, they went upstairs together. They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. Acts 1:14
Scripture tells us we are to pray together. Jesus promises to be among those who are praying together in his name. James, the brother of Jesus, tells us that we are to call a group to pray over someone for healing, and finally, Luke reminds us that Jesus’ disciples prayed together with several others. So, if like me, you believe the Holy Scriptures, then you must believe that there are times we need to pray together.
Let’s go back to the beginning and address those concerns that came up. How do you get comfortable praying aloud? It starts by simply doing it. It may feel awkward at first, but it gets easier every time. What happens when you don’t know what to say? Begin with short prayers. God wants to hear from you. Remember when Jesus asked the blind man to tell him what he wanted him to do for him? He wants to know what you need, too.
Oh, and to answer your question, “What do I think about while the other people are praying?” I’m listening carefully to what they’re praying and often agreeing with them in the prayer. Why? Read Matthew 18:19.