Prayer is vital for the Christian life. Both individual and corporate prayer play key roles in the life of the believer and the church. The Bible has much to say about the importance and power of corporate prayer.
Corporate prayer refers to believers praying together in unity as the body of Christ. This is in contrast to individual prayer done in private. Corporate prayer involves the church coming together, on one accord, to seek the Lord in prayer for specific needs and issues.
Here are some ways the Bible emphasizes the importance and necessity of corporate prayer:
1. Jesus endorsed corporate prayer
Jesus himself endorsed praying together with other believers. In Matthew 18:19-20, Jesus says, “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.” Jesus promises his presence and answered prayer when believers come together to pray in his name.
2. The early church devoted themselves to corporate prayer
The book of Acts documents how the early church was devoted to corporate prayer. In Acts 1:14, after Jesus ascended to heaven, the disciples “were all together in one place” persistently devoting themselves to prayer. Acts 2:42 explains that the early Christians “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Acts 2:46-47 further notes how “day by day” they met together united in purpose, worship, and prayer.
3. Prayer meetings build unity in the church
As the previous verses show, corporate prayer leads to unity, fellowship, and devotion among believers. When the church gathers to pray, it draws them together in purpose. Praying together spiritually bonds the church. It builds unity, community, and love for one another (John 17:20-23).
4. Corporate prayer utilizes the body of Christ
Praying together allows various members to utilize their unique spiritual gifts for the church’s benefit. As 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 teaches, the Holy Spirit distributes gifts to each believer for the common good. In corporate prayer, whether it be leading prayer, interceding, or praying in tongues, the body builds itself up in love as each part contributes (Ephesians 4:16).
5. There is power in agreement
Already quoted above, Matthew 18:19-20 emphasizes the power of agreement in corporate prayer. Many blessings, including healing for the sick (James 5:14-16), come when believers join together in faith-filled prayer. Agreement in the Spirit brings great power and blessing that individual prayer may lack.
6. Corporate prayer conquers spiritual warfare
In Matthew 18:18-20, Jesus promises authority to bind and loose when two or more agree in prayer. Similarly, Ephesians 6:18 notes the importance of prayers for “all the saints” in spiritual warfare. Corporate prayer taps into greater spiritual authority and power to combat the forces of darkness.
7. God commands his people to gather for prayer
Passages like Acts 1:14 and 1 Timothy 2:1-2 make it clear that gathering together for prayer is expected of the church. Corporate prayer pleases God and aligns believers with his will. Believers should not neglect gathering together for prayer (Hebrews 10:24-25).
8. Corporate prayer ushers in God’s presence
God manifests his presence in a special way when his people unite together in prayer. Jesus promised in Matthew 18:20 that where two or three gather in his name, he is there among them. Likewise, Acts 4:31 describes how after the church prayed together, “the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.”
9. Prayer meetings keep the focus on God
Human tendencies like selfishness and pride can distract the church from its central purpose – glorifying God. Corporate prayer orients the hearts and minds of believers back to God. Prayer meetings cultivate a God-centered focus that spills over into other areas of church life.
10. The prayers of the righteous accomplish much
James 5:16 declares, “…The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” When the church joins the prayers of many righteous believers, much is accomplished for advancing God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:10). The prayers unleash God’s power to work in mighty ways.
In summary, Scripture clearly emphasizes the priority of corporate prayer. God designed believers to pray together as one family united in Christ. Gathering regularly for united prayer keeps the church aligned with God’s purposes, united in fellowship, dependent on God’s power, and focused on God’s glory.
For the individual believer, corporate prayer provides the opportunity to exercise spiritual gifts, be encouraged in faith, grow in godliness, and strengthen ties to the body of Christ. Praying together deepens the sense of connection, community, and love for one another.
Practically speaking, corporate prayer can take many forms – prayer meetings, home groups praying together, united prayer before church services, praying together in small groups, and more. The key is believers intentionally coming together to pray in agreement, rather than only praying privately and individually.
The Bible contains many examples of powerful corporate prayer. In Acts 12:1-17, the church gathers together to pray earnestly for Peter’s release from prison, and God miraculously frees him. In Acts 4:23-31, the believers lift their voices together to God in prayer, and the place shakes with the filling of the Holy Spirit.
Corporate prayer fuels revival and spiritual awakening. Throughout history, united prayer preceded seasons of renewal and advance of the gospel. Even today, praying together as the body of Christ is a catalyst for spiritual breakthrough.
The biblical remedy for a church lacking in spiritual power or unity is to gather together often for fervent corporate prayer. God blesses and works through a church devoted to prayer. The secret to spiritual strength is meeting together to pursue God in prayer.
In summary, according to the Bible, corporate prayer is extremely important for the vitality and health of the church. God commands his people to pray together and powerfully blesses their unified prayers. All believers should make corporate prayer a priority so that God’s will is done, and his kingdom continues advancing through the church.
