We often take part in corporate prayer, but do you know how powerful praying together is? Or have you ever asked, “What happens when we pray together?
While personal prayer is essential for building our relationship with God, corporate prayer also benefits us as believers.
We will examine the power of coming together in prayer; how it can enhance our spiritual life; the fifteen benefits of corporate prayer, and the unique blessings that await us as we engage in it.
The resources in this article include:
- What is corporate prayer?
- Examples of corporate prayer in the Bible.
- Fifteen Benefits of Corporate Prayer.
- Frequently asked questions about the benefits of corporate prayer.
What is Corporate Prayer?
Corporate prayer is the act of praying together as a community of believers. It is a collective approach to prayer that may take place in a church, small group, or any other gathering of believers in Christ.
Corporate prayer differs from personal prayer; it is an opportunity for us to unite and lift our voices together in supplication to God.
It is a powerful expression of faith that can bring us (believers) closer to God and one another. Through corporate prayer, we draw strength, encouragement, and support from other believers.
Examples of Corporate Prayer in the Bible.
The Bible provides many examples of corporate prayer, which can inspire any believer seeking to enhance their prayer life.
Here are some examples of corporate prayer in the Bible:
One notable example of corporate prayer is Acts 4:23-31, where the disciples came together and prayed for boldness in preaching the gospel despite the persecution.
Another example is Matthew 18:20, where Jesus declared that where two or three are gathered in His name, He is in their midst; emphasizing the power of united prayer and the presence of God among believers who gather to pray together.
We also see corporate prayer in the Old Testament. One is in 2 Chronicles 20:1-30, where King Jehoshaphat called on the people of Judah to fast and pray together in the face of an impending battle. They came together to seek God’s face, and He delivered them from their enemies.
Furthermore, in James 5:13-16, Scripture instructs us to confess our sins to one another and pray for each other, highlighting the importance of corporate prayer.
15 Benefits of Corporate Prayer.
If you are wondering how important is praying together? Or what are the benefits of corporate prayers?
Here are fifteen benefits of corporate prayer:
-
It Strengthens Our Faith and Unity Among Us (Believers).
One of the most significant benefits of corporate prayer is that it strengthens faith and unity among members of the body of Christ. Coming together in prayer allows us to encourage and build up one another in faith.
This fosters community and fellowship. We also develop a deeper understanding of one another’s needs and struggles through corporate prayer. Furthermore, it creates a collective vision and purpose among believers, empowering us to work together.
-
Increases Our Intimacy with God.
Corporate prayer gives us a unique opportunity to grow in intimacy with God.
Praying with other believers allows us to have different perspectives. And gain a better understanding of God’s will for us as individuals and as members of His body.
As we unite, we create an atmosphere for the Holy Spirit to move. This leads us to a more intimate relationship with Him.
Corporate prayer also inspires us to seek God more fervently in our personal prayer lives. This deepens our relationship with Him.
-
It Brings Healing and Restoration.
Corporate prayer also brings healing and restoration as it allows us to lay our burdens and concerns before God, inviting Him to heal us physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
By praying together, we support and encourage one another during difficult times. We also find strength and comfort in God’s presence and with one another.
James 5:16, NIV – Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
-
It Fosters Humility and Submission to God and Other Believers.
Praying together fosters humility and submission among Christians. This is because it allows us to depend on God for our needs.
Coming together to pray also encourages us to put aside our plans and desires and seek God’s will and purpose instead of ours.
It also reminds us that we are part of a larger body (the body of Christ). And called to submit to one another in love and service.
Lastly, through corporate prayer, we develop the spirit of humility and submission, which benefits both our personal and collective spiritual growth.
-
It Strengthens Our Fellowship and Bonds As a Community of Believers.
Joint prayer is not only a spiritual exercise but also promotes the spirit of community and fellowship within the church. We become stronger as a group when we come together to pray as believers.
Corporate prayer creates an environment of openness and vulnerability. This allows us to share in the struggles and triumphs of one another. This also enhances our relationships, builds trust, and fosters love and compassion.
In sum, as we pray together, we strengthen our bond as a community of Christians, united in our devotion to God.
-
It Promotes Forgiveness and Reconciliation.
Another benefit of corporate prayer is that it promotes forgiveness and reconciliation among us. When we come together in prayer, we let go of our hurts and pains; we forgive and reconcile those who have hurt or offended us.
As we confess our sins and forgive those who have wronged us, the Holy Spirit moves in our hearts. This creates an atmosphere of healing and reconciliation.
Through corporate prayer, we are reminded of the importance of forgiveness in building strong and healthy relationships with both God and others.
-
It Brings Breakthrough and Deliverance.
When we pray as a group of believers, breakthroughs, and deliverance occurs. This is because we tap into the power of agreement and invite the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit to move and work in our midst.
In other words, through corporate prayer, we overcome spiritual strongholds and bondage, experience divine healing and restoration; and receive answers to our prayers. Corporate prayer also brings deliverance from fear, anxiety, and many other negative emotions.
Lastly, the Holy Spirit fills us with peace and freedom that only comes from God.
-
It Inspires Worship and Praise.
Coming together to lift our voices in prayer creates an atmosphere of reverence and awe, inviting God’s presence. This is just as Psalm 22:3 says – Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
As we offer our prayers and praises to God, He fills us with joy and gratitude. In other words, corporate prayer is not only a means of bringing our petitions to God but also an opportunity to exalt Him and give Him the honor and glory He deserves.
-
It Encourages the Spirit of Intercession.
James 5:16, NIV – …. pray for each other so that you may be healed… Corporate prayer not only inspires worship and praise to God. But also encourages the spirit of intercession.
When we gather together, we lift the concerns and requests of other brethren before God in unity.
This strengthens both their faith and hope. Moreover, corporate prayer creates a sense of urgency in praying for the needs of others, whether it be for salvation, healing, deliverance, or provision.
-
It Breaks Down Barriers and Divisions.
Another benefit of corporate prayer is that it breaks down barriers and divisions among Christians. In prayer, we come together with a common goal and purpose, setting aside our differences.
It allows us to unite in love, regardless of our race, culture, or background. This is just as Ephesians 4:3, NIV says – Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
This is to say that corporate prayer enables us to strengthen our bonds of fellowship; and work together toward a shared vision, which is God’s kingdom.
-
It Invites God’s Presence and Blessings.
Matthew 18:20, NIV – For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. Corporate prayer creates a spiritual atmosphere where God reveals Himself to us and works in our lives.
As we unite in prayer, we also unite in faith and purpose. This allows the Holy Spirit to move powerfully among us. By inviting God’s presence through corporate prayer, we experience His abundant blessings.
We also see His will unfold in our lives and in the lives of those around us.
-
It Empowers Us for Evangelism and Missions.
Corporate prayer is also powerful for empowering us for evangelism and missions.
As we pray together for the lost and seek God’s guidance in spreading the gospel, it ignites our passion for evangelism and burden for the lost.
In Acts 13:3, Scripture tells us how the church in Antioch prayed and fasted before commissioning Paul and Barnabas for their missionary journey.
Similarly, corporate prayer leads to a deeper understanding of God’s heart for the nations. And the willingness to obey His call to share the gospel with the unsaved.
-
It Promotes Spiritual Growth and Maturity.
One major benefit of corporate prayer is that it enhances our spiritual growth and maturity.
When we pray together, our faith is challenged and stretched in a good way, leading to growth. We also can learn from the experiences and wisdom of other believers.
Additionally, corporate prayer provides accountability and support in our walk with God, helping us overcome obstacles and mature in our relationship with God. This is especially true because as we pray together, we are strengthened and edified.
We grow both in our understanding and knowledge of God’s will for our lives as we do this.
-
It Increases Accountability.
James 5:16a says – Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. Corporate prayer allows us to hold one another accountable, especially in our time of need.
This is because God did not create us to journey through life alone. Thankfully, praying together gives us an outlet to lean on one another and lift each other in prayer.
-
It Increases Our Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
Through prayer, we discern God’s voice and direction more clearly. The Holy Spirit also works in and through us.
This way, corporate prayer enhances our spiritual discernment. It also enables us to better follow God’s will. Just as Jesus said in John 16:13 – When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.
Summary
God’s word admonishes us to be actively involved in prayer, both personally and with others within the church and beyond. So, I encourage you as a member of the body of Christ to be intentional in praying with other believers.
May God bless your efforts and draw you closer to Him through the power of corporate prayer.
Frequently Asked Questions.
-
Why is it good for Christians to pray together?
Praying together is beneficial for us as Christians for many reasons.
Corporate prayer fosters unity strengthens our faith; promotes forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing; inspires worship and intercession; and enhances spiritual growth and maturity.
By praying together, we experience God’s presence and guidance. As well as find support and encouragement within the Christian community.
Furthermore, corporate prayer provides a platform for evangelism and outreach. This empowers us to share the love and truth of Christ with non-believers.
-
What is the power of collective prayer?
The power of collective prayer lies in the unity and faith of believers coming together to seek God through prayer. We may receive answers more quickly when we pray in agreement with other believers.
Corporate prayer also leads to spiritual growth and healing. It inspires the spirit of community and fellowship by breaking down barriers and divisions among believers.
More so, it empowers us to impact our families, communities, and the world for Christ.
-
Is it better to pray together or alone?
Praying together and alone are both important and have their benefits.
Personal prayer allows for personal intimacy with God, while corporate prayer promotes unity, accountability, and the power of agreement.
However, the word of God emphasizes the importance of both personal and corporate prayer, encouraging us to pray continuously as individuals and together as members of the body of Christ.
Ultimately, it is not a matter of which is better, but to balance the two to experience a deeper and more fulfilling prayer life.