How Prayer Unites Us

Now that you’ve been praying with a friend, do they come to mind at certain points in your day or even week? If so, how could you pray for them even when you’re not together?

The apostle Paul had met the Jesus-followers of Ephesus years ago, but now wrote to encourage their faith, as we see in Ephesians 1:15-23.

In his letter, he shares how the Lord has brought them to mind and how he is praying for them. Notice how Paul prays specific things that will lead them to a deeper love for and relationship with Jesus. In Ephesians 1, he prays more about their spiritual health than any other thing. Paul knew that when you get spiritual health in good shape then all of the other areas of life would be more aligned.

Specifically, Paul talks about wanting his friends in Ephesus to know the power available to those who follow Jesus. This is the same power that raised Christ from the dead because of the Holy Spirit living in us (Ephesians 1:19-20). Think about how that changes your prayers and even perspective.

Praying with a friend can be more than discipleship, it can be a way to unite us as brothers and sisters who follow Jesus together. This can be one way we encourage and remind each other of the great power within us, so we can face the day with confidence and hope.

Whether you pray together today or even write out a prayer to give your friend later, here are some ways you take Paul’s words and make them your own:

Father, thank you for [name of the person you’re praying with] and the opportunity to pray together. I pray that You would give them Your wisdom and reveal yourself to them so that they may know You better. [Include a characteristic of God that they may need to know more of today]. Help them to know Your hope and power and for it to make a difference in their life today. Increase their desire to know You more and to confidently live as Your [daughter/son]...[Continue the prayer adding in whatever specific ways He leads you to pray.]

Talk It Over Together:

Whether in the chat or in person, here are some questions to consider as you find more opportunities to pray with a friend:

• How does prayer time with a friend impact prayer at other times throughout a day or week?

• How does this move you toward gratitude, praying bold prayers, and a deeper understanding of the power of prayer?

Pray for the opportunity to encourage someone else with your prayers for them and notice how the Holy Spirit brings your praying friend to mind throughout the week.