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"We exist to train God-hungry people in the disciplines of prayer."
by Dick LaFountain

Praying
Together

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work.

"All mankind is of one author, and is one volume; when one man dies, one chapter is not torn out of the book, but translated into a better language; and every chapter must be so translated...As therefore the bell that rings to a sermon, calls not upon the preacher only, but upon the congregation to come: so this bell calls us all: but how much more me, who am brought so near the door by this sickness....No man is an island, entire of itself...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee." John Donne (1572-1631)

We are all part of what the Bible calls "the body of Christ" and we are "members each in particular." The church is a body made up of many parts. The body parts are intimately related one to another. We are to be attached, not detached, parts of the whole. The strength of the body lies not in its individual parts but in its work together.

Can you juggle with one hand? Can you clap with one hand? Can you run with only one foot? Can you see depth with one eye alone? Can you move a piano by yourself? So the church is not singular. It is to be often together, and often together in corporate, united, fervent prayer.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 11. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Jesus had something to say about the value of praying together.

Matthew 18:18-20 NIV
"I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19. "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."


Pray For One Another

Who is your prayer partner? Who assists you in assaulting the throne of heaven? Who watches you back? Who lifts you up before God when you are sleeping, helpless, or distracted? This is "tag team" praying. Who prays for you regularly? Who knows you well enough to prevail and travail over you? Who knows your weaknesses so that they can mount a defense against the enemy?

James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

A Simple Plan
Everything about prayer needs to be kept simple. Start small and very simple. Experiment with a short-term partnership, the re-evaluate the experience before committing for a longer duration.

  1. Start Small - four week prayer partner
  2. Start Simple - find one other person
  3. Start Soon - set a time - limit time (10-20 minutes)
  4. Start Somewhere - a place, car, coffee,
  5. Start Praying - one thing (Acts)

Practical Prayer Plan
All of us need a plan. Without one we get together and either feel uncomfortable, not knowing what to do, or we spend the time just chating and never get around to serious praying.

  1. Bring a Scripture (encouragement)
  2. Bring a Chorus (or a hymn)
  3. Bring a Concern - one thing
  4. Bring a Plan - (ACTS)

Practical Problems
There are always difficulties and problems with getting together with other people to pray. If we are honest with ourselves most of those are excuses.

  1. I don't know anyone
  2. I am afraid to pray out loud
  3. I am way too busy
  4. I don't know what to pray
  5. I am afraid to share my problems


We have other helpful guides that can assist you in praying together. These are in PDF format.

See PDF Guide to
How To Find A Prayer Partner
Bulletin Insert: Prayer Partners & Accountability Partners
The Power of Three

Links
Accountability Partner
Prayer Partners