And all these … obtained a good testimony through faith ….
Hebrews 11:39
If one person’s prayers can release world-changing power, you might wonder, why should we bother with corporate prayer?
Because by joining together, we strengthen each other’s faith!
When we’re praying side by side, we’re built up by one another’s spiritual supply. We sense the presence of God in a fuller way, and through the power of the corporate anointing, we’re able to pray more effectively.
As we do so, however, it’s vital that we keep a scriptural perspective. It’s crucial that we remember, it’s not our numbers but our faith that moves mountains.
Some time ago, the Lord spoke very directly to a friend of mine about that very thing. She oversees the prayer ministry at her church, and one day she was feverishly trying to figure out how to generate more prayer there. Abruptly, the Lord interrupted her. “I don’t need more praying,” He said. “What I need is more believing!”
My heart totally bears witness with that statement; and what’s more important, the Bible bears witness with it too. It lists every person of prayer that we’ve mentioned this week—Moses, Abraham, and Gideon—in the Hebrews chapter 11 Faith Hall of Fame. It says that they “through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises …” (verse 33).
Notice they didn’t just accomplish those things through prayer alone.
They did them by faith!
One person who prays in faith can bring more of God’s power on the scene than thousands who pray in desperation just hoping something will happen. As Hebrews chapter 11 clearly reveals, it’s not numbers but faith that makes the difference.
Scripture Reading: Genesis 18:17 – 33
Source: Devotions for the Praying Heart by Lynne Hammond.
Excerpt permission granted by Lynne Hammond Ministries