When Two or More are Gathered in His Name

We have all heard the promise made by Jesus that when two or more are gathered in his name, he shall be in the midst of them (Matthew 18:19-20).

19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

I have posted my thoughts on this at least twice, back in July 2008, and again in January 2009. Every once in a while, I am aware of how powerful a promise this is.

Tonight I was trying to decide whether to run over to church tomorrow morning or to wait until Monday. My stamina level these days limit me to weekday services which are about a half hour shorter than Sunday versions. I know I will go tomorrow, because if I put it off, I might not even go on Monday. The whole point is, I really need to get to a service every week or two, at least. It renews me. There is something special about being in the midst of a gathering of people who all believe in the Lord.

I often look around at those in church, asking God to bless them for taking the time to visit, with each other and with him.

Mostly, tonight, I am aware of that promise in Matthew 18. That doesn't necessarily mean we must get together physically. I honestly believe that in today's world, our presence can be other than physical. It can be a gathering on the internet. Or via a prayer chain by phone.

I wish we would all remember that we can gain more from our prayers if we unite in prayer. If that is not physically possible, we can at least do it spiritually. It isn't hard to ask that the Lord hear the prayers of others who feel as we do at the moment, about our current concern.

If, during a time of struggle in our country, all believers prayed for our leaders to receive divine guidance, and we all prayed for that guidance, how powerful would that united prayer be?

At church, we all have our own thoughts and reasons for being there. But in most services, no matter the denomination, there is usually some point where the gathering is asked to pray for a specific need. That might be for peace or for any other current concern. But at that moment, we should all add, in our hearts, a side note to the Lord, that we offer that prayer in union with all those who pray for the same thing, and that we trust the Lord to keep his promise to us. How powerful would that unified prayer be? It wouldn't hurt to find out.

Dear Father, please grant us the grace to pray together on an issue once in a while, instead of praying for our own wants and desires. Help us to remember the promise your son made all those years ago, and bless us with an answer to these prayers.