Week Four is going to be incredible as we discover that prayer is always a team sport…
God never intended for us to walk this prayer road alone. We are made in His image, a triune God. The very essence of His existence is community in equal parts, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He created us as man and woman, whom he said would become “one flesh” in marriage. Noah was instructed to bring “two pairs of each kind” to the ark for procreation after devastation. We are given Holy Spirit to live inside of us so we are never alone.
God is always about the buddy system.
Sustainability, care, and community are found when we live in relationship with others, the way God intended. We are never isolated, never the loner. God’s heart is for friendship. Because of the Holy Spirit, we are never alone, even when we are alone. God says nothing can separate us from his love. We always have a buddy! We have to stop living as if we can do it all ourselves.
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
-Matthew 18:20
This part of the book of Matthew is addressing personal conflict between two people. We bring our grievances to each other, man to man or woman to woman, seeking resolution to conflict. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, we bring in another person as a witness. The process continues, as we will talk about this more this week, but let’s look at the two original people in conflict.
God wants us to resolve our issues with each other. Why? Because when we can get our act together and get along like adults, God chooses to take up residence among us. When we “gather in the name” of God, we come with one purpose in heart: To glorify him! Our pride melts away. We let down our guard. Our hearts are open to receive what God has for us. Letting go of our conflict and being unified in God is the perfect picture of the buddy system. When we are united, we can pray for each other in power because God is there among us! Talk about a powerful prayer time!
Let’s pray:
1.) Think of a time when someone else prayed out loud for you. What was it like? How did it make you feel? Did you feel stronger and more assured than when compared to praying alone, or was it an uncomfortable experience? Why or why not?
2.) When was the last time you prayed for someone else? What did God show you through those prayers? How do you think God used those prayers to change that person’s circumstances?
3.) Ask God who your buddies are. You may have several, or you may have none. Ask God what your life would look like with a solid buddy system for prayer when you feel overwhelmed. Ask Him to reveal who you can reach out to for prayer, then be brave and ask the person He reveals.
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