For where two or three gather

For where two or three gather

Scripture:

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:19-20

Observation:

Imagine! Anything we ask for being done for us by our Father in Heaven! The conditions – firstly, there must be at least two of us. Secondly, we must both agree. Thirdly, we must ask. Fourthly, the gathering is in Jesus’ name. Only four steps, but the last of these is the most important. The purpose of the gathering is in Jesus name. The motive is not selfish or personal in nature. And it is not with man’s agenda. The motive is pure, to gather for the Lord, to seek His purpose, His will. So often we claim to gather in Jesus name. We make great shows of elaborate prayers, with Christian jargon, but ultimately, it is just an exercise of going through the motions. The heart is not there. The mind is on other things. Where two purportedly agree, one leads while the other assents thoughtlessly. The agreement is for show. There is no true unity. That’s where prayers go unanswered, where prayers do not even reach our Father’s ears. Yet, if we genuinely gather in His name, if we genuinely set ourselves apart to seek His will, and to follow His leading, prayer comes alive. Heaven is opened, and God moves powerfully in response to our prayers.

In the book of James, he explains further on the phenomenon of unanswered prayer, stating how those who ask with wrong motives for their own pleasures do not receive. Hence, when we ask, it is so important for us to ask God with pure motives, with a pure, undistracted heart.

How precious it is when we are able to find a like minded prayer partner focused on pleasing the Lord! How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity! The Lord prayed not that we might be spared from the troubles of the world but that we might be one as He and the Father are one. There is tremendous strength in unity, and especially unity in prayer.

Application:

Make it a point to meet in groups of two or three to pray together. It can be in the family, in the office, in the cell group, in the church. Remember the purpose of praying together which is for our Lord. Search our hearts and come before Him with pure motives, pure intentions. Confess our sins, and let His precious blood wash away our impure motives and desires. Then, ask in faith, in accordance to His will and His Word, believing God is able to do far more than we could hope for or imagine.

Prayer:

We thank You, Lord Jesus for teaching us to pray. We thank You that when we agree in Your name, our Father in Heaven hears us, and blesses us. Create in us pure hearts O Lord. Wash away the impure motives and distractions within us. Give us a fresh passion to come to You just as we are, seeking Your will, Your truth, Your wisdom. Reveal Your will to us O Lord, even as we pray in unity. Lead us to godly prayer partners, who love You, and who seek Your face. Quicken us O Lord, and let us go deeper and deeper in prayer and communion with You. We bless You, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.