Why Corporate Prayer?

Some Christians will say “We are already praying, why does there need to be corporate praying?” Or they may say “Since I am praying at home I do not need to be a part of corporate prayer?”. A legitimate question to ask is “Why would a born again follower of Jesus Christ not want to join in prayer with fellow believers?”. “How will corporate prayer be a detriment to a Christian?” But that is another topic.

What is Corporate Prayer?
Corporate prayer is when a group of Christians gather to pray. They may gather together to pray in regard to a specific topic or to pray in regard to several items. They key is that they are gathering together to call out to God in prayer. The power of unity.

The Power of Unity
In Genesis 11 is the story of the Tower of Babel. In response to the people uniting together to build a tower to heaven God said:  Genesis 11:6 The Lord said, “Behold, they are one people, and they all have the same language. And this is what they began to do, and now nothing which they purpose to do will be impossible for them.” If nothing could stop unified sinners building a tower, what can stop unified Christ followers interceding before God. Clearly there is greater power as we unite together compared to praying by ourselves. (Of course, God can, and does, answer our private prayers.)

Corporate Prayer was Foundational and Powerful
Corporate prayer was foundational in the Early Church. In the book of Acts we see over and over again Christians gathering together in prayer. We not only see them gathering together in prayer but we see the end result is signs, wonders, and miracles. God honored their corporate prayer time.

⁴⁰ And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” ⁴¹ So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. ⁴² They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

⁴³ Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.

Acts 2: 40-43

Two or Three-God in the Midst

¹⁹ “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”

Matthew 18:19-20

Of course, God is with us when we pray alone. However, Scripture makes it clear there is something unique that takes place when we pray with others in a corporate way.

Edification
Corporate Prayer builds up and encourages those who unite in prayer. A person may be discouraged as they are alone in prayer, but when gathered with other believers, encouragement comes their way. Body ministry can occur when there is corporate prayer.

Building of Faith
When we join with others in prayer and see God moving it stirs up faith. It will lead to us praying in a more bold manner and with authority. This only makes sense, since when two or three are gathered in Christ, the presence of God is in the midst.

Corporate Repentance
There are several examples in the Bible of corporate prayer and repentance. God moves in the midst of corporate repentance. A nation can turn back to God through corporate prayer and repentance. Many Christians quote 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. If my people is not talking about individuals, it is talking about a nation. It is talking about individuals who unite together interceding for a nation.

Revival
In Scripture and over the years revival has come out of Corporate Prayer. Who does not revival? If you desire revival in your own heart, in your community, in your nation, participate in Corporate Prayer.

Why Corporate Prayer?
Because it is biblical, God honors it, miraculous things can happen when followers of Christ unite together in prayer. A family, a community, a nation can be turned around through corporate prayer. So again, why would any Christ follower be against corporate prayer or not want to be a part of corporate prayer? Here are some reasons.