Week Four: Agree in Prayer

If two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven (Matthew 18:19).  

I am fascinated by bottlenose dolphins.  These magnificent creatures can reason, solve problems, think abstractly, and even recognize themselves in a mirror!  They’re lightening-fast and fiercely powerful. Stories abound of dolphins protecting humans against sharks, repelling them with high-speed, battering ram-like blows.  My dad, a World War II submarine veteran, tells of long, hot tours in the South Pacific. The sailors hoped to see dolphins so they could dive off the sub for a refreshing swim–sure to be safe from sharks.  Sharks steer clear of dolphins for another reason.  They’re outnumbered.  Dolphins find strength by sticking together in groups or “pods.”  So what do dolphins have to do with prayer?  Like dolphins, our fellow believers can help us gain strength in prayer and defeat our spiritual enemies. 

Let’s take another look at these powerful words spoken by Jesus:  If two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven (Matthew 18:19).

The Greek word for agree is symphone (from which we get symphony), meaning “together with the same voice.”  This word can also be translated “music.”  Perhaps the prayer of agreement sounds like music to God.

This week, let’s focus on Step Four in our 40-Day Prayer Challenge:  AGREE with others in prayer.

I am mystified as to why the prayer of agreement works.  I just know from experience that it ignites my prayers with extra power.  Jesus promises that when we are gathered  in His name, He is there with us  (Matthew 18:20).

I’ve learned that having a prayer partner is a great way to practice the prayer of agreement.  My prayer partner I agree in prayer almost daily by texting short PODs (prayers on demand).  We  pray for our husbands and children, extending our petitions to those with needs in the world around us. 

ASSIGNMENT:  Read more about the prayer of agreement in Chapter 7,  Teammates in  Sometimes He Whispers, Sometimes He Roars: Learning to Hear the Voice of God,.

Answer the Personal Reflection Questions on page 191.

1. Continue the 21-Day Experiment  in John’s Gospel.  I hope you’re discovering how praying God’s Word gives AUTHORITY to your prayers. This is a good time to find a prayer partner and begin sharing prayer requests through texting, emails, voicemail, or whatever works best.

2.  Prayer partners are also good for accountability.  I like to keep short accounts with God.  It helps to confess failures and mess-ups to my prayer partner.  “Help–I need prayer.  Just lost my temper with the kids, again!”  Accountability also helps me stay ALERT  and watch for SPECIFIC answers to prayer.

3. Remember: your family can be your greatest prayer partners.  Share requests and answers to prayer often.  This helps create your own family history of answered prayer.

Prayer: Lord, I confess that sometimes I treat my walk with you like a solo journey.   I humbly confess to you that I need the Body of Christ–for protection, for power in prayers of agreement, and to simply share the joy of knowing You.  Strengthen my family’s commitment to prayer.  Help us to develop our own history of seeing Your mighty answers to prayer…what a great heritage to give to our children!  Amen.