This week marks the fourth part of our nine-week series, 'Praying Together,' where we explore the power and significance of communal prayer. Our series draws inspiration from the teachings of Mike Betts and his book and course, 'The Prayers of Many.' In this week's devotionals, we delve into the metaphor of an orchestra to illustrate the power and beauty that comes out of harmony and allowing the Spirit to lead us in prayer together.
‘‘…They raised their voices together in prayer to God.’ (Acts 3:24)
Summary: Praying together, like an orchestra, requires harmonious relationships.
You can watch this devotional at:
When I play the guitar, the first I do is to tune it. I use an electronic tuner, which makes life so much easier than older methods. Before a musical performance, an orchestra tunes their instruments to ensure that they are all playing in harmony with each other. Typically, this process is led by the principal oboist or another designated musician who plays a single note, usually an "A," to which the rest of the orchestra tunes. This note is often referred to as the "concert pitch."
God loves unity and so our prayers will be hindered if we are in disharmony. For example, what we read about how bad marital relationships hinder prayer in 1 Peter:
‘Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.’ (1 Peter 3:7)
This truth that inconsiderate and disrespectful relationships in marriage hinder prayer can be applied more broadly. Jesus taught:
‘Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.’ (Matthew 5:23-24)
What we read in the Psalms and Proverbs is surely not to be negated:
‘If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.’ (Psalm 66:18)
‘The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.’ (Proverbs 15:29)
RESPONSE: GO AND BE RECONCILED.
Praying together, like an orchestra, requires harmonious relationships. Are you in tune with your church family? If you are married, are you in harmony? If you are a husband, are you treating your wife with consideration and harmony?
COMMUNITY GROUP NOTES AND STUDY
1. NOTICES
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. ICEBREAKER
‘What has God been speaking to you about from His Word this week and how has this helped you / affected your life?’
3. STUDY AND PRAY TOGETHER
During this series, we will be using the 'Prayers of Many' course by Mike Betts.
I encourage you to buy a copy of the book from: https://prayersofmany.org/book#buybook
If you need assistance in buying a book please send an email to the church office and we will happily purchase you a copy.
Please download the course handbook from:
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