Rachel Whisman

It made me pause. Not the silence nor the quiet, but the low rumble that rippled across the sanctuary. The tender, faint whisper of others praying out loud together over the prayer requests made known to us that morning by our Pastor. Every week at Church, we stop after singing a couple of songs to pray individually or with others around us over these requests. Something made me pause and just listen. While listening, I was reminded of the loveliness of such a privilege. A blessing that we take for granted and look over at times with a cursory glance. 

Prayer is powerful. God expects us to pray (Matthew 6:5), and it endears our Lord that we come to Him (1 Peter 5:7). Whether it be from what has captivated our hearts about Him, the resounding joys we are experiencing, or the pressing needs and confusions that circulate our thoughts. It is His delight to know that we go to Him with these things. It is not just a private affair, but to be enjoyed with others around you as well. 

Praying together fuels your love for God and teaches you how to pray. We are all learning, being molded, and crafted into something. More than anything, it has not been from the books that I have read about prayer, while they are helpful, but sitting next to seasoned saints and hearing their prayers. It is a treat to do so as they help lift your gaze to God, his character, and listen to how they speak to Him. Each person brings something different to their prayers. We are a reflection of God’s uniqueness in how He created us to reflect His glory. As you learn from others, what a gift and encouragement your prayers can be to others as well. 

There is also a genuine joy in praying with other believers and hearing their hearts as they speak to Him. From the giddy, young high schooler, whose faith and trust in the Lord encouraged me. To the people in the small group I am part of, as it bonds us together as we take time to remember who God is and share our concerns and needs with Him. Extending to the youngsters around us who confidently trip or fumble over words at times, but have a palpable delight in talking with the Lord. All of them are a pleasure to take part in. 

The time of prayer at Church came to an end, and we continued worshipping with other songs. It occurred to me, “What if our service didn’t have this time set apart?” The answer is that we would miss out on a lot. The same applies when we don’t pray together. We miss out on this gift that has been given to us as a means to bear with one another, encourage, and remind our hearts of the joy of our salvation in Christ. Don’t waste this means of grace. 

“Prayer is faith become audible.” -Tim Keller

“And this is the confidence we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked for.” -1 John 5:14-15