Six Benefits of Praying with Others (Part 2)

Praying with others will infuse new enthusiasm into your spiritual life. In addition to the three benefits described on the previous page, the following three benefits can also be gained through praying together.

4. Realize That You Are Not Alone

After getting to know our brothers and sisters more closely (point 3), we come to know other people's life stories: experiences from their past, their present challenges, and even dreams for their future. No one, regardless of social status, is exempt from these three things. Even people who live in abundance have their own challenges and struggles.

Through praying together, we are assured that we are not alone. Everyone is carrying a cross. Perhaps only the size is different, depending on each person's capacity. We struggle with pressure from a boss at work, while others struggle with pressure from business partners. We are mocked by coworkers because of our different way of life, while  others are threatened by mafias who feel harmed by their business. 

People are often tempted to feel sorry for themselves. They feel they are the most unfortunate, while others are more fortunate. Yet when we sit together in prayer, we realize: in reality, no follower of Christ has a life as smooth as a toll road. There are always obstacles or challenges. A life that goes against the current of the world will surely create ripples.

So whoever wants to be a friend of this world makes himself an enemy of God. – James 4:4b

Conversely, when we choose to be friends of God, like it or not we will become enemies of worldly things. For the principles of the world are never in harmony with the principles of God.

However, by knowing that we are not alone, that our brothers and sisters are also fighting to overcome their struggles, we will be strengthened. In praying together, we are increasingly encouraged to keep living under God's guidance and to resist all the deceit of the world.

Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that all your brothers and sisters throughout the world are undergoing the same sufferings. – 1 Peter 5:9

5. More Eager to Pray

It cannot be denied that, as human beings, our actions are influenced to some extent by external factors. For example, when guests want to visit our home, we tidy the house more neatly than usual. We cook special food, even though it requires more time and energy. Why? Because we want to make a good impression on our guests.

The same is true in praying together; we will pray more earnestly because we know there are others listening to our prayer. There are people whose life stories we have heard, and whom we also want to pray for. It is impossible for us to pray carelessly, while half asleep, or by repeating the same prayer over and over. Surely we want to pray seriously. At the very least, our prayer partner knows that we sincerely pray for them.

That is why praying together will bring a different color to our spiritual life. It does not mean that when we pray alone we are not enthusiastic. However, we are challenged to pray wholeheartedly, just as the person beside us is also wholeheartedly praying for us. How wonderful it is when at another time that brother or sister comes and says thank you. Their dream came true through our prayers.

“For where two or three are gathered in My Name, there I am in the midst of them.” – Matthew 18:20

Moreover, the Lord says He is present in a gathering of people who are praying together. So, how could we not be more eager to offer up prayer when we are with our fellow believers?

6. Become an Inspiration to Others

We intend to draw inspiration from our prayer partner, but at the same time, they are actually drawing inspiration from us. Everyone struggles; what differs is the scale. The victory we share over a struggle can help a brother or sister who is fighting something similar. We do not mean to lecture anyone, but who would have thought that others could learn so much from our experience. 

Sometimes we need affirmation or acknowledgment through what other people see and think about us. We feel our lives are full of shortcomings, far from ideal, but it turns out that someone longs for our life. We feel we have made many mistakes, many failures, yet others are actually inspired by our perseverance.

Other people's positive view can help us see and be grateful for what we have. Indeed, there is no such word as enough in human nature. Even the richest and most successful people still want more and more. So, be grateful if our lives become an inspiration to others, no matter how small. 

Be grateful also when our lives become the answer to prayer for our brothers and sisters. God's ways are always wonderful. He can help us through encounters with other people. And He can also help others through encounters and praying together with us. It may be that the encouragement and life inspiration we share are the help our brothers and sisters need.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

Let our lives be a light that shines in the darkness, a testimony for others. Just as we learn and are inspired by the lives of others, they also learn and are inspired by our lives. In the end, the name of the Lord will be glorified.

So, with whom will you make a prayer appointment this week? Of course, you do not have to meet in person. Praying through communication media such as video calls or by phone will also be heard by God. May your prayer life become more beautiful!

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Church GKDI currently exists in 35 cities. We have Bible study activities in every area; if you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official:

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