Week of June 22, 2025
Praying Together. This week, as we continue our series on prayer. We will be considering the blessings and benefits of praying together with other Christians. God has given us the gift of Christian community for support and encouragement. One of the best ways to employ this gift is through prayer with and for one another. Jesus also encourages us to come together and speak to God, promising His very presence and God’s blessing.
Monday| Matthew 18:15-20
This is not an easy teaching to fully understand, and it does not mean that I can get whatever I want from God by getting another Christian to agree with me in prayer. Notice Jesus’ emphasis on being together in Christian community. How have you felt the blessing of Jesus’ presence as you have gathered with other Christians? In what ways have you felt God’s blessing by being in prayer with other Christians? Why do you think God would encourage us to pray with one another?
Tuesday | Esther 4:4-17
Mordecai asked Esther to put her life on the line to seek the King’s help in saving her fellow Jews. In asking everyone to fast, it is implied that they would also be praying. Why would Esther make this request for others to fast and pray? What did she hope to get out of their prayers? Do you believe that there is power to move God into action through multiple people praying for the same thing? Why? What caveats might there be to this idea of prayer power? Was Esther fully assured that God would grant their request?
Wednesday | James 5:15-18
James repeats that it is a good thing for us to pray together and for each other. How do we hold together the teaching that there is power in praying together with the truth that God does not always give us what we pray for? What other benefits do you find in praying together, besides getting exactly what we pray for?
Thursday | Acts 1:6-14 & Acts 2:41-42
The Apostles and first followers of Jesus knew that their community needed to be tied together and connected with God through prayer. Why do you think it seems more difficult for American Christians to devote themselves to prayer and praying together? What keeps you from more regularly praying with someone else? How might you make changes to enjoy the blessing of praying with others more?
Friday | Acts 4:18-31 (or 1-31)
What is your reaction to how God responded to the disciples’ prayer for boldness? Why is it significant that they prayed together? Have you ever prayed together with others and felt a strong sense of the Holy Spirit being with you? What might happen if people of Peace Church regularly prayed together the kind of prayer in Acts 4?
