Good News and Praise

I have a confession to make. I am more comfortable praying alone, just me and God. I know that is not a good habit for a Christian to get into but I’m self conscience when asked to pray out loud with a group. I don’t know if it is my lack of biblical knowledge or a simple self esteem problem that makes me uncomfortable but it is something that I must work on.

I know that God hears all prayers but I have noticed that group prayers even just three or four men together seem to have more power. I listen to other more mature Christian men and I marvel at how easy it is for them. I hope that I will get better at praying soon because the Lord knows I have a lot I should be praying about and a few friends helping can’t hurt.

Numerous times we read of Nehemiah praying alone – seeking guidance and direction. He prayed for God’s forgiveness for the people of Israel who had strayed so far from Him. Later, Nehemiah also prayed for protection as he and his fellow Israelites strove to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls.

When the Israelites noticed Nehemiah’s practice of prayer they were inspired to pray together with Nehemiah to seek the will of the Lord. When they were threatened verbally and when they were in danger of physical harm they did what most believers do, they turned to God. Subsequently the people acted under the Lord’s guidance by posting a guard around the clock. Toward the end, they kept watch and labored 24 hours a day and changed clothes only to wash them. Now that’s dedication.

Their reward: they finished in record time. The leaders of the nations surrounding them were disheartened because they perceived that this work had been done by the Israelites’ God! And, for all intents and purposes it had been.

What a great lesson this is! Pray privately for personal guidance but also pray publicly with other believers.

“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16

A good friend once told me the next time I was in a situation where I really needed the power or guidance of God to succeed; I should put aside my fears and offer to start the group prayer. “You just need to speak directly, unashamedly to God. The words don’t have to be eloquent, just from the heart. Then when the project is completed it will cause many to see only God in the results.” That’s pretty good council.