Faith & Insight: Intentional times of corporate prayer

Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:3

Thursday, May 4 is The National Day of Prayer. Our annual gathering at the Capitol steps at 11 a.m. for proclamation readings, prayer and to worship the Lord God is underway.

Throughout history people have gathered in corporate prayer to the Lord our God for many reasons resulting in many benefits. Though the internet has many remarkable benefits, we must remember that gathering for corporate worship and prayer is essential in our spiritual growth and walk.

In Matthew chapter 18:20 Jesus says, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them.” The early church in the Book of Acts 2:40-47 sets a foundation of core values of the church. So much is accomplished in these times of biblical and doctrinal teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer.

Let me expound upon a few. When we gather with other believers in Christ Jesus, we encourage one another, and build up one another. 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

Prayer is communing and conversing with God. During these times the Lord brings our hearts together as one, that we might have the heart of Christ. In this divisiveness that we are seeing nationally and globally it’s essential that we seek the heart of God, together.

Together we remind each other that God will never forsake us, and nothing can separate us from the love of God, and that we have a savior who sympathizes with us in our weaknesses, in these moments we are bearing one another’s burdens, and so fulfilling the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2, Hebrews 13:5, Romans 8:39, Hebrews 4:15.

When believers in all stages of life pray together we learn, mentor, nurture and strengthen one another. Jesus taught and exampled the life of prayer he lived. Luke 11:1

Prayer gatherings ushers in a time of deep reflection and sincere repentance. In the Old Testament the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Daniel show times that model repentance as part of community prayer. These times call us to renounce sins of disobedience to a holy and just God. These times of humility and confession result in an awakening of our hearts to our need and desire for God. God wants to restore his people to himself.

As the apostle Paul asked the church of Galatia a rhetorical question, “Are you so foolish? Having begun in the spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?”

As citizens of America may we hear this question regarding our nation today: we need the Lord, every hour, every minute. The Lord provides reconciliation to us all if we will humble ourselves through repentance and seek him earnestly. 2 Chronicles 7:14

In this passage God takes the initiative of asking those who are his to turn from their ways and turn to his way and experience his healing and forgiveness. When we humble ourselves and pray, seek his face, turn from our wicked ways, God hears, heals, and forgives.

On March 23, 1798, president John Adams called and signed a national proclamation for a National Day of Prayer and Fasting through repentance. (It is well worth the read, please look it up and read it in its entirety, it is amazing!)

Praying corporately creates a sense of expectancy and reveals to others the confidence that we have in Christ Jesus our Lord, that he hears our prayers and will answer according to his will. As others witness our confidence and expectancy, they gain their own. As we witness the answered prayers of others it builds hope. Expectancy rekindles hope.

Virtual events may be a good thing but let us not forget that we need to gather for times of corporate prayer and fellowship. Hebrews 10:25

Let us grow strong in the Lord together strengthening a collective faith, facilitating repentance and have a sense of expectant hope in Christ Jesus. Don’t grow weary while doing good. Galatians 6:9

I pray you will make an effort to join the Corporate Prayer and Worship of the Lord at the National Day of Prayer, Thursday, May 4 at 11 a.m. at the Capitol steps in Carson City.

May the Lord‘s hand be upon the United States of America and may he guide us on paths righteousness for his name sake.

Pat Propster is lead pastor at Calvary Chapel Carson City.