Acts 2:1-4 "Now when the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."(NKJ)
An harmonious approach to corporate prayer seems to have great influence with God. (See also Acts 4:24-31; 5:12,14; 8:4-8) Man trying to be one (in accord, united) for his own purposes is vain and evil. Consider the tower of Babel and other instances throughout the Scriptures. When man tries to "unite" by fleshy methods only confusion, rioting and destruction ensues. But, when men humbles themselves, and in one accord, seek the Lord God Almighty, grace abounds, good is accomplished, the Lord is glorified. Unity, being in one accord, therefore, has significant influence with God. He seems to move in such a way as to bear witness of His love for us and to make us witnesses--changing and/or strengthening our faith and commitment to His purposes.
When someone comes to me for prayer the first thing that occurs is the telling of the felt need. That initiates our connecting with one another, but it does not mean we are in one accord. As we proceed to humble ourselves, submitting our time, persons and the need to the Lord, agreeing together to follow God's direction, we enter into one accord. And, not just with each other but with God. When that happens the possibilities are divine and unlimited.
Jesus talks at great length about His "unity" with our Heavenly Father. He also talks about our unity with Him and with each other (See John 15-17). Unity can only occur with love for God and for one another--divinely inspired love, not just affection. Affection is subjective. Divinely inspired love is objective. When you and I are praying with someone, it is paramount that we are driven by divine love and purpose over just the desire to be helpful. Prayer, lifted by our love of the Lord and of our fellowman, is the "effective prayer of a righteous man that accomplishes much" (James 5:16).
The needy are not helped by "fleshly" means. They don't need to cope, they need to be touched by God. And, if God called you to pray for others, He has called you to minister in one accord with His divine power, His divine direction and care. Think about it.
When someone comes to me for prayer the first thing that occurs is the telling of the felt need. That initiates our connecting with one another, but it does not mean we are in one accord. As we proceed to humble ourselves, submitting our time, persons and the need to the Lord, agreeing together to follow God's direction, we enter into one accord. And, not just with each other but with God. When that happens the possibilities are divine and unlimited.
Jesus talks at great length about His "unity" with our Heavenly Father. He also talks about our unity with Him and with each other (See John 15-17). Unity can only occur with love for God and for one another--divinely inspired love, not just affection. Affection is subjective. Divinely inspired love is objective. When you and I are praying with someone, it is paramount that we are driven by divine love and purpose over just the desire to be helpful. Prayer, lifted by our love of the Lord and of our fellowman, is the "effective prayer of a righteous man that accomplishes much" (James 5:16).
The needy are not helped by "fleshly" means. They don't need to cope, they need to be touched by God. And, if God called you to pray for others, He has called you to minister in one accord with His divine power, His divine direction and care. Think about it.
© S. M. Hudson, Hidden Treasure Ministries, December 2003. All rights reserved.
Categories: prayer
