PRAYER

“What if God knows prayer to be the thing we need first and most? What if the main object in God’s idea of prayer is a supplying of our greatest need – the need of Himself? Communion with God is the one need of the soul beyond all other needs. Prayer is the beginning of that communion, being united with Him, which is the sole end of prayer. We must ask if we want to receive, but receiving things that meet our lower needs is not God’s primary goal in prayer. God desires that we come humbly before Him so that we might be at one with Him.”

George MacDonald

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Corporate prayer is an important part of the life of the church, along with worship, sound doctrine, communion, and fellowship. The early church met regularly to learn the doctrine of the apostles, break bread, and pray together (Acts 2:42). Corporate prayer edifies and unifies us as we share our common faith. To those who may be alone and struggling with life’s burdens, hearing others lift them up to the throne of grace can be a great encouragement. It also builds in us love and concern for others as we intercede for them. Prayer is cooperating with God to bring about His plan, not trying to bend Him to our will.