19 "Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:19-20 NIV
I love that when Jesus tells the disciples, and us, something really important, He uses the word truly. He emphasized that what He was about to say needed to be remembered, taken to heart, acted upon and most importantly it was the truth, something they could count on. If it was really important, He told it to them more than once. "Again, truly I tell you..." Our ever patient Savior, making sure this important teaching was heard more than once.
In today's verse, Jesus had something very important to share with His followers, a truth He wanted them to remember and act upon. When two are gathered together in agreement, in prayer, God will be listening and respond. Verse 20 states, "for where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."
I can't tell you how many times I have read today's verse, maybe 50 or more. Yet when I read it today, I wondered why I don't regularly pray with someone. I pray often by myself and always for others, but rarely do I pray with another person, two or three of us together.
In Matthew 18:19 Jesus is telling us that we need to be praying with others, having a prayer partner. I believe He wants us to gather together, outside of corporate worship, and pray with a prayer partner, seeking God's will together. He promises, truly He tells us, that when we do come together in prayer, things will happen!
When I think of the times I have prayed with someone, praying for healing, praying for guidance, praying for relationships, it has been so beneficial for me. Not only the prayers said, but the feeling of peace as we prayed together. Knowing that we aren't alone, having someone hold us accountable to living out our faith. Also sharing the growing of our faith as we truly believe God will answer our prayers.
We can be the best individual prayer warrior there is, yet are we missing something? I think we might be. It is not just the power of prayer when two or more are gathered, but also the relationship that happens when coming together to pray, the presence of Christ.
Do you have a prayer partner? Have you ever thought of having a prayer partner? Maybe your spouse, a family member, a friend, a co-worker, or someone from your church family.
If you aren't regularly praying with someone, then ask someone to be your prayer partner, to pray with on a regular basis. Set aside time at least weekly to share concerns, hopes, requests, and then pray with each other. It doesn't have to be in person, it can be over the phone, but pray out loud together, reaffirming that Christ is there joining in on the prayers. Believe in the truth Christ gives us today, expect Him to answer those prayers prayed together!
JODI HENDRICKS IS A LONG-TIME MEMBER OF FARMINGTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. SHE TEACHES ADULT AND YOUTH BIBLE CLASSES. THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHOR.
Religion on 10/17/2018