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REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “Christians bound together by mutual prayer” Prayer is an act of faith therefore Christians bound together by mutual prayer means believers are united in faith when they pray together. We shall reflect on the fact that the bond of Christian fellowship is made stronger and more effective when united in faith through prayer.

Beloved in the Lord, the church remains united in spirit, body and faith when we pray together. It is for this reason Paul greatly instructs us through his letter to the Church of Ephesus to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (Ephesians 6:18). Let us remember that one of the devil’s schemes is to weaken the church with sin, confusion and division. It is for this reason Jesus admonished His disciples when he was about to be arrested, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41) When we are divided, it will be impossible to join our faith together in prayer for the progress of the church and the furtherance of God mission in the world. Apart from studying and obeying the Word of God as a demonstration of our faith, it is also important to note that prayer is another crucial way to demonstrate our unity and faith in pleasing God. The writer of Hebrews wrote “…without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6. We must continue to be united in faith through prayer for it pleases God. When He is pleased with us, His glory will not depart from us.   

Dear child of God, when we are united in prayer as Christians or as a church, we experience the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. It is for this purpose, that Paul requested the Church of Ephesus to pray for him to continue preaching the Gospel while he was in prison, He wrote, “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” (Ephesians 6:19-20) Again, James also underscores the importance of praying together as believers and also for others, when he wrote “… pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:16). Also, the pioneers of the early church had the habit of praying together. Luke wrote that 4 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. (Acts 1:14) What then was the effect and impact of their unity in prayer and faith? We are told, “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:1-4) The key lesson is that a church that is united in faith through prayer will experience the empowerment and gifts of the Holy Spirit for its edification and for the glory of God.

In summary, we have discovered that the bond of Christian fellowship is made stronger and more effective when united in faith through prayer. Shalom.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit strengthen us to remain united through prayer and faith so that we shall experience Your power and gifts in the Church. Amen.