The Power of Praying with Others: Why It Matters More Than Ever

Praying with others is demonstrated throughout scripture. Therefore, God desires that we pray together. Prayer may seem insignificant, but it’s powerful. When believers pray together, it’s called corporate prayer, and the power of God has shown up miraculously as a result of their prayers. In Acts 12, Herod has Peter arrested, thrown in prison, and surrounded by 16 soldiers.

Herod was preparing a mock trial that would find Peter guilty and then execute him. However, the church began to pray, and God sent an angel to walk Peter right out of prison. Here are several reasons why praying with others matters.

Praying Together Brings Unity

God wants His children to walk in unity. There is power in unity. It makes us one. The Bible declares that one can chase a thousand, yet two can put to flight 10,000. So, the multiplication of unity is astronomical. The early church was an example of unity. They sold all their goods and distributed them among each other, and the Lord blessed them tremendously, adding believers to the church daily.

In Acts 1:14, the early church was constantly in prayer. Our consistency in praying with others will bring unity and strength. When we aren’t self-absorbed but kingdom-minded, we’ll see God’s blessings multiplied.

Prayer Brings Solidarity

Solidarity is when a group stands together as one to defeat a common enemy. When King Jehosophat of Judah faced a powerful group of nations coming against his kingdom, he gathered the people together for corporate prayer. He led the prayer asking God for His deliverance. God spoke powerfully through one of His prophets, telling them, “The battle is not yours, but God’s.”

God stepped in and caused these armies to turn on and slaughter each other. Praying with others offers us times of solidarity, in which we petition God to demonstrate His power on our behalf.

Prayer Brings Agreement

Praying with others brings us into agreement in prayer with other believers. In Matthew 18:19, Jesus taught His disciples to pray in agreement with others:

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

So, you pray with others in agreement about things that concern both sides. As believers, it encourages us when others pray and believe with us. And Jesus promised that God would hear and answer our prayers.

Pray One for Another

Therefore, we should ask fellow believers to pray for us. In Ephesians 6, Paul asks the believers to pray that he preaches the gospel boldly. Asking for prayer doesn’t mean you lack power or skill. It simply adds more fuel to the fire and promotes brotherly love and togetherness among believers.

We should share in each other’s prayers by lifting our voices to God with them. Believers are told to be kind and to prefer one another. Praying with others is a way to do that.

Pray for the Spiritual Growth of Others

In Ephesians 1:16, Paul tells the Ephesian church that they are constantly in his prayers: “Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.” Paul was praying for their spiritual enlightenment and their knowledge of who Jesus is and what He has done for them.

In praying for others, we can also pray for their spiritual growth and for them to be all God wants them to be. This encourages others and motivates them to reach their full potential.

Pray for Leaders

In 1 Timothy 2:1-3, Paul charges Timothy to pray for magistrates, leaders, and lawmakers for the peace and security of nations:

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; ² For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. ³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

In our world today, there are many threats to our peace and safety. Praying with others is a necessity. Believers should see this passage as a call to action. We are powerful together, and who can say it’s not the lack of corporate prayer that has landed us at this point? There are so many biblical examples of prayer bringing answers, miracles, and deliverance. Let’s not ever neglect praying with others and praying for our nations.

Let’s Get Started

There is no need to wait or put prayer off. There is never a better time than now to begin praying with others. So find some prayer partners. Remember that praying with others brings unity, solidarity, and agreement. We should pray for each other and pray for their spiritual growth. Also, we should pray for the peace of nations. Let’s begin praying with others today.