FOUNDATIONS ONE

Learning from the Bible

 
unsplash-image-Vv5psTDOk8E.jpg

1. The New Testament Church did things together

In his book The Prayers of Many Mike Betts says:

On paying closer attention to the teaching of the New Testament including those parts concerning prayer we see that it has a corporate context in mind. If you more easily think "how does this apply to me?" and not "how does this apply to us?" then you are thinking individually not corporately. If that happens a lot then we are in danger of losing vital aspects of biblical practice surrounding prayer. We need to strengthen our ideas about the very identity and nature if the church as the family, the people, the temple, the nation of God. The Bible anticipates that most of our Christian life will inevitably be worked out and filled out in a corporate context.

 

2. The New Testament Church put prayer at the top of the agenda

The Apostles, faced with exponential growth, still remained convinced that they should "give (their) attention to prayer and the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4). The apostles had an awareness of the effectiveness of these key components and the overwhelming task ahead that was faced without them.

 

3. Praying together prepares the church for the coming of God

He said, "Thus says the Lord, 'Make this valley full of trenches.' For thus says the Lord, You shall not see wind nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you shall drink, both you and your cattle and your beasts. This is but a slight thing in the sight of the Lord." (2 Kings 3v16-18 (NASB)

'Elisha was saying "you have to do something in preparation for when God moves". This is exactly what corporate prayer is like. It is preparing for a move of God.'

Excerpt from The Prayers of Many

4. Praying together is powerful combat

Our combat is effective through our togetherness. The church should not look for individual superheroes but we should look for a united and equipped 'body' - the church.

Reading 2 Corinthians 1v11, it is clear that Paul was aware that numbers of people engaging in corporate prayer regularly and continually for him was crucial to success in his apostolic mission.

Excerpt from The Prayers of Many

 

5. Corporate Prayer changes things!

Rather than developing cynical, sarcastic and overly critical hearts to all that is going on in the world around us, we should instead be so convinced that the best way to change things is to pray, that we avoid wasting time, effort and words on saying how bad things are and instead pour our intercession to God confident that he can and will change things. Engage with politics through prayer not cynical satire.

Excerpt from The Prayers of Many

 

6. Corporate prayer serves the devil an eviction notice

When we pray back to God His promises, we are presenting a legal notice of eviction to the forces of evil infesting the world around us. We are giving them marching orders.

Excerpt from The Prayers of Many

"....and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will." (2 Timothy 2:26)

 

Learn more

Listen to Mike Betts, from Relational Mission, talk from 2 Corinthians 1:11, on corporate prayer.

 

For more teaching and inspiration on Corporate Prayer, read Mike Betts’ book 'The Prayers of Many'. The book is currently available in English, German and Dutch. To purchase, search on any online book store.