This article was written by Janelle Martin and originally published in the Intercede issue of our magazine. Read the whole issue for free online here!
I’ll never forget that warm, still night in Central America when I first experienced the power of prayer.
But not just any prayer.
I wasn’t by myself, alone crying out to God; I was surrounded by other like-minded believers who had the same burden upon their hearts as I did.
We were unified. With one thought. One desire burning up on our hearts.
Photo by Kara Linaburg
It was beautiful, like nothing I had ever experienced before in my life. You could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit as we prayed! I honestly can’t remember when we started praying, but I know we didn’t stop until 2 a.m. Within those few hours my heart was completely changed. I had felt the power of the Holy Spirit, and I wanted more. I longed for more.
So, how can we as the body of Christ gather together and pray? Pray deeply, pray strongly, pray fiercely?
In fact when we read the Bible, we see a clear picture of how we are to pray! So how can we incorporate this into our daily life?
We are to pray with boldness (1 John 5:14), pray faithfully (Romans 12:12), and to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
1. Grab some friends.
Set a specific time and day that you will meet. It doesn’t have to be for a long amount of time. If half an hour is all you have, then that’s great! Don’t feel like you have to pray for a couple of hours (unless you want to).
2. Read a passage . . .
or verse of Scripture that has touched you that week and just share a little bit about what God is doing in your life. It doesn’t have to be super long or “spiritual!” Simply share from your heart.
Photo by Kara Linaburg
3. Pray together.
It’s wonderful when everyone prays! It brings amazing unity. But don’t be discouraged if not everyone prays at first. They may feel uncomfortable or not know what to say. Just give them time, and you’ll be surprised to see how they blossom.
4. Thank God.
Spend time simply thanking God. Thank Him for all the blessings He has given you; thank Him for the Holy Spirit, for your family, for Jesus, for answered miracles, and for being God!
I sincerely hope that this inspires you to start your own prayer group. As Priscilla Shire said, “Prayer is the portal that brings the power of Heaven down to earth. It is the kryptonite to the enemy and to all his plots against you.”
Make no mistake, my friends: we are in a spiritual battle, a battle for our souls. And the way we fight, the way we war is on our knees.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sins and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
Janelle believes traveling, classic books and a good chai tea are some of the most beautiful blessings. She is currently living in upstate NY (when she isn’t wandering over the earth). She has a deep love for Jesus and is passionate about living a BOLD prayer life! Find Janelle and her well-loved journaling Bible on Insta @exploring_boldlove.
