Corporate Prayer And You Sweet “OUR” Of Prayer Corporate Prayer And You

Objective of This Message 1. To Give Biblical Validity To Corporate Prayer 2. To Reveal The Blessings That Come From Corporate Prayer 3. To Address Objections And Attitudes toward Corporate Prayer 4. To Motivate God’s People To Participate In Corporate Prayer

Does The Bible Teach Corporate Prayer? Yes!!!!!!!! Everything that we do needs to be preceded, and under girded, and then followed up by prayer. Everything needs to be bathed in prayer. We gather together, sing together, worship together, minister together, edify together, why should we not pray together.

Lets Learn From The Early Church Prior To Pentecost Act 1:14 these all were continuing with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. Act 1:15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples and said, (the number of names together was about a hundred and twenty,)

The historic practice of the newly birthed church Act 2:41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. And the same day there were added about three thousand souls. Act 2:42 And they were continuing steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, and in fellowship and in the breaking of the loaves, and in prayers.

Peter’s report to the church Choosing Deacons for the church Act 4:24 And having heard, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord and said, Lord, You are the God who made the heaven and earth, and the sea, and all that is in them;… Choosing Deacons for the church Act 6:6 They set these before the apostles. And having prayed, they laid hands on them.

When Peter was arrested Act 12:5 Then, indeed, Peter was kept in prison. But earnest prayer was made to God for him by the church. Act 12:12 And thinking about it, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose last name was Mark; where many had gathered together to pray.

The choosing of Barnabas and Saul Paul’s final words to the Ephesisans Act 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, So, then, separate Barnabas and Saul to Me for the work to which I have called them. Act 13:3 Then having fasted and prayed and laid hands on them, they let them go. Paul’s final words to the Ephesisans Act 20:36 And saying these things, kneeling, he prayed with them all.

THE RESULT OF CORPORATE PRAYER MEETINGS IN ACTS The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost Signs and wonders at the hands of the apostles Bold witnessing to the word of God The conversion of many priests The sending out of frontier missionaries The establishment of new churches The rescue of apostles from prison

Objections To Corporate Prayer Jesus taught we are To Pray alone in our closets Mat 6:6 But you, when you pray, enter into your room. And shutting your door, pray to your Father in secret; and your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly.

Context Mat 6:5 And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward. Jesus was speaking against individuals praying to be seen, not against corporate prayer

Remember, the church was born out of a corporate prayer meeting. Mat 6:9 Therefore pray in this way: Our Father, who is in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name. The Model Prayer of Jesus is not emphasizing personal prayer over corporate prayer, but rather AUTHENTIC PRAYER. Remember, the church was born out of a corporate prayer meeting.

Why Do So Few Pray Corporately? Attitudes Towards The Prayer Meeting

1. Domination of a few 2. Fear to pray out loud 3. Little Prayer – Mostly bible study 4. Canned safe prayers prayed every week 5. It’s not that important 6. I don’t pray very well 7. It’s boring 8. God doesn’t hear my prayers 9. I’m too tired 10. It is just another night away from my family

A Pleading To The Congregation Come To Prayer Meeting Start Or Join A Prayer Cell Group In Your Home Join Me In Our Monthly Time Of Fasting And Prayer Join Us In Prayer After The Sunday Evening Service

Why Do We Need To Pray AT The Prattville Alliance Church? We need to pray because we need God's guidance and grace. We need to pray in gratitude for the richness of our shared life. We need to pray for the suffering that surrounds us. We need to pray because we believe that God's vision for us to be “A Fountain Of Grace”, can only be fulfilled as we cry out to God praying in the Spirit.