POWER OF UNITED PRAYING

…But prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God – Acts 12:5

“That unity begets strength is a principle of grace as well as of nature. A number of Christians uniting in prayer for a given person of objective brings special power into operation, for their unison demonstrates that oneness which God delights to see and acknowledge (John 17:11). Both Scripture and contemporary experience indicate that there is a cumulative power in united praying. Faith is infectious, and infection spreads where numbers congregate. Unbelief thrives more readily in isolation. Only with great difficulty can a fire be kindled with a single stick.

Our Lord suggested the intensification of prayer force in united praying. “If two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them” (Matt. 18:19, RSV).

It was at a united prayer meeting that the mighty power of Pentecost was unleashed.

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting (Acts 2:1-2).

It was when the believers “lifted up their voices together to God” that the place was shaken.

And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:…And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness (Acts 4:24, 31).

It was the prayer of the whole Church that secured Peter’s release

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him (Acts 12:5).

The missionary enterprise had its birth in a united prayer meeting of church leaders. Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. (Acts 13:1-3).

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. But Scripture and experience combine to teach that the united prayers of many such avail yet more.”