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Together
Brian Mashburn
November 9, 2008
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Social Prayer
As He continues teaching some more advanced courses on prayer, Jesus adds this one: "I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in My name, there am I with them."
Is this not an amazing, unbelievable promise?
Once again, Jesus highlights that we are to consider God "father". This is so crucial. Having a proper image of God is of paramount importance, according to Jesus, if you want to effectively move God with prayer. God doesn't want to be seen as an arbitrary judge. He doesn't want to be seen merely as the bestower and withholder of gifts. He certainly doesn't want to be downgraded to merely being a holy policeman or assistant principal in charge of upholding the rules. He wants to be seen primarily as love. As a father.
And according to this teaching, our Father wants us to relate with one another as we relate with Him. Earlier in Christ's school of prayer, Jesus said that there is a personal, secret element to our prayer lives. Something special between He and us. But now he adds to that teaching, saying there is also a social, relational element that involves us asking for things together.
And He promises that if two of us go to Him and ask, in deep agreement, it will be done for us...every single time.
Amazing. This alone is enough to explore praying together.
But the real reward for me, the thing in this teaching that will forever make me practice social praying, intimately, with others, is the second part of this teaching. He says that where a group comes together in His name, there Jesus is with us.
Can I just say that there is no greater reward? I need Jesus. I want Jesus. I desire, above all things, and as the ultimate goal of my life, to have Jesus with me.
The promise is guaranteed presence and guaranteed answers. Wow. The rewards of social prayer are worth whatever discomfort or self-consciousness that you must go through, whatever price you have to pay, to practice it.