One of the persistent mysteries of my walk with Christ has been the “how to” of prayer. While the basis of Biblical prayer can be defined as “talking to God”, observing its corporate aspect is sometimes overlooked or minimized. Nowhere in scripture is this “together” component of prayer more pronounced than the model prayer Jesus introduced to us:
“‘…. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”’ Matthew 6:9-13 NIV
Have you ever wondered why Jesus didn’t include singular pronouns in this prayer? This feature of our most reliable prayer template challenges the notion that solitary prayer is superior to praying in a community of faith.
Is the Lord’s Prayer the only instance where collective prayer is commended or illustrated?
Perhaps one reason it’s difficult for English speakers to find scripture passages emphasizing the corporate nature of prayer is this: when translating Hebrew or Greek into English there isn’t a formal plural term in English for “you”. The casual term “y’all” (all y’all) is likely the best fit, but most scholars avoid it. Here’s a scripture illustrating the dilemma:
Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NET
Translators render a phrase in verse 7 “hearts and minds”, giving us a clue that the praying, trusting Philippian church is being promised a peace from God that surpasses human comprehension and protection for the community, not just for its most holy or spiritually mature individuals.
Many people around us, even those in communities of faith, are experiencing heightening waves of loneliness and anxiety. Believers can opt out of this trend by not only joining with other believers on Sunday mornings, but finding smaller community groups within their larger congregations. As we pray for each other’s and God’s concerns in a more intimate environment – think Jesus and the twelve – we become more integrated into the coming of His kingdom.
Start today: Even if you’re fully connected with a smaller group, invite a Christian brother or sister to share a pressing prayer need as well as sharing one of your own.
Join a more intimate group: Individuals in local churches convene in intimate groups that meet on a regular basis for Bible study and prayer. If you’re not currently connected, find an avenue offered by your church leadership or even invite others to form a group.
Bonus: Encourage yourself to engage in community prayer by reading this and/or this.
by Kathleen Petersen
