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by the attic library
The Power Of Praying Together
Available in the Attic Library
Stormie Omartian & Jack Hayford
Prayer
Call No. 248.32 OMA
Reviewed by: John Woon, Family Connect 1 Small Group
Everyone in the church – the body of Christ, the believers – has a purpose for their lives. And God has placed gifts, talents and abilities in each one of us in order to accomplish that purpose (Ephesians 4:8-16). One of such is the ministry of intercession. And it is rather impossible to grow and develop to your fullest potential independently of other believers. Building a people to do God’s work happens in the local church when we are connected to and grow with the rest of the congregation. It is within that context that we find who we are created to be and what we are created to do.
An intercessor is someone who steps into the gap between God’s righteousness and man’s failure, and through prayer, brings the merits of the cross to bear upon people and situations. Intercessors are needed because the world is filled with men and women who don’t understand the effects of their own sin. Or they don’t understand everything God can do for them, and so they don’t know how to ask for themselves. They don’t realise the extent of God’s provision for them, so they need someone who will step into their situation in prayer. And even people who do know how to pray can sometimes be so overwhelmed by their circumstances that they can’t pray. They need an intercessor to step into the gap for them too. Here is where we come into the picture. We can answer God’s call and partner in His kingdom purposes by praying for people and situations that need the touch of God.
Jesus said, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven’ (Matthew 16:19). Keys mean the authority, the privilege, the access. Some things will not be turned loose unless you turn them on. Some things will not be turned loose unless you set them free. The key doesn’t make the power of the engine, it releases the power of the engine. A key is no good to us if we never use it to unlock anything.
We do not have to agree on every minute detail of our beliefs, but it is crucial that we agree on certain foundational truths, otherwise we are not standing on the same foundation. “Can two walk together unless they are agreed?” (Amos 3:3). The answer is “No.” We have to agree on who it is exactly that we are praying to, and that His Word not only invites our prayers, but it also promises answers.
What makes prayer work? Prayer works because of what Jesus did; when Jesus rose from the dead, he commissioned everyone who believes in Him to destroy the rulership of the enemy and restore rulership to man. This is done through prayer. Prayer works because we live God’s way. “Whatever we ask we receive from Him because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight” (1 John 3:22). But remember, answers to prayer are not earned by our obedience. But our privilege to pray boldly is rooted in our relationship with Father God. And He has called us to walk as obedient children.
With confidence in Christ, let’s pray.