Read: Acts 2:42, James 5:16
I have a good friend named Chris who loves to run marathons. He asked me once if I would volunteer to pass out water at one of the markers. I said that it really wasn’t my thing and felt like four hours of standing in one spot probably wasn’t that big of a deal anyway. He patiently corrected me. He told me that the hardest part of any race wasn’t the start or even the finish—it was the middle, when fatigue sets in, and the end seems impossibly far away. What kept him going during those tough miles were the people cheering him on from the sidelines, offering water, and encouraging him to keep going. How could I say no after that?
Prayer is like that encouragement we need in the marathon of life. It’s not just something we do in isolation; it’s a communal activity that strengthens and uplifts us. The early church understood this deeply. They didn’t just pray individually; they prayed together, and it was a vital part of their fellowship. They understood that when believers come together in prayer, something powerful happens.
When we pray with others, we experience a deep sense of connection—not only with God but also with each other. We share our burdens, our hopes, and our struggles, and in that sharing, we find strength. Prayer in community is more than just a spiritual exercise; it’s an opportunity to bear one another’s burdens and to invite God into our shared lives.
James reminds us of the power of this communal prayer. Confessing our sins to each other and praying for each other brings healing and restoration. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective, not because of their own strength, but because it taps into the power of God. In these moments of shared prayer, we experience God’s presence in a tangible way, and our faith is strengthened.
Questions for Reflection:
- How often do you engage in prayer with others, and what impact does it have on your spiritual life?
- In what areas of your life do you need to invite others to pray with you?
- How can you create more opportunities for communal prayer within your church or small group?