United in Prayer: The Power of Agreement
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound power of unity and agreement in prayer, drawing from the teachings of Jesus and the scriptures. We began by acknowledging the importance of community and the various ministries within our church, emphasizing the need for everyone to be involved and connected. Whether through small groups, serving in different capacities, or being part of our new young adult ministry, the call is to engage and not do life alone.
We then delved into the heart of our series, "Prayer School," focusing on the prayer of agreement. Jesus taught that when two or more agree on earth concerning anything they ask, it will be done by the Father in heaven. This underscores the unmatched power that comes from united prayer. The disciples, despite being with Jesus for years, asked Him to teach them to pray, highlighting that learning to pray effectively is a journey, not a destination.
Unity is not just a nice idea; it's a divine principle that unlocks God's power. We looked at the story of the Tower of Babel, where God Himself acknowledged the power of unity, even when used for the wrong purposes. This serves as a reminder that when we come together with one language and one purpose, nothing is impossible. However, the enemy knows this too and constantly seeks to sow division and strife among us.
We were challenged to examine our hearts for any strife or division, understanding that such discord can hinder our prayers and invite every kind of evil into our lives. The call is to forgive, reconcile, and strive for peace, even if it means loving from a distance. The power of one, when harnessed in prayer and unity, can move mountains and bring about God's will on earth.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Agreement in Prayer: When two or more agree in prayer, it unleashes divine power that is unmatched. This principle is rooted in Jesus' teaching that agreement on earth leads to action in heaven. Unity in prayer is not just about asking but aligning with God's will and each other. [49:58]
- Unity as a Divine Principle: The story of the Tower of Babel illustrates the power of unity, even when misused. God acknowledged that nothing would be impossible for a unified people. This principle applies to us today; when we unite in purpose and language, we can achieve the impossible. [57:08]
- Strife Hinders Divine Power: Allowing strife and division in our hearts or communities can block God's power and invite confusion and evil. We must actively pursue reconciliation and peace, understanding that unresolved conflict can hinder our prayers and spiritual growth. [01:22:33]
- Forgiveness as a Path to Power: Forgiveness is not optional but a command that aligns us with God's heart. Holding onto grudges or refusing to reconcile can block our spiritual progress and prayers. We are called to forgive as we have been forgiven, releasing others and ourselves from the bondage of strife. [01:23:48]
- Building a Community of Support: We need a community of believers who can stand with us in prayer and support. This requires intentional effort to build relationships and maintain unity, even when it means setting boundaries with those who sow discord. A united community is a powerful force for God's kingdom. [01:28:32]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Opening Remarks and Announcements
- [03:30] - Importance of Community and Small Groups
- [07:15] - New Ministry Initiatives
- [12:00] - Introduction to Prayer School Series
- [15:45] - The Disciples' Request to Learn Prayer
- [20:30] - The Power of Agreement in Prayer
- [25:00] - Unity in the Story of Babel
- [30:45] - The Enemy's Strategy to Divide
- [35:20] - The Dangers of Strife and Division
- [40:10] - The Call to Forgive and Reconcile
- [45:00] - Building a Supportive Community
- [50:30] - Personal Reflection and Prayer
- [55:00] - Invitation to Salvation
- [01:00:00] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 18:19 - "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven."
2. Genesis 11:1-6 - The story of the Tower of Babel, illustrating the power of unity.
3. James 3:16 - "For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus promise in Matthew 18:19 about the power of agreement in prayer? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on unity? [49:58]
2. In the story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-6), what was the result of the people’s unity, and how did God respond to it? [57:08]
3. According to James 3:16, what are the consequences of allowing strife and division to persist? How was this concept addressed in the sermon? [01:22:33]
4. How did the pastor illustrate the importance of unity through his personal story about the hospital visit? What lesson was he conveying? [49:58]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the principle of agreement in prayer challenge the way individuals typically approach prayer? What might be the implications for personal and communal prayer life? [49:58]
2. In what ways does the story of the Tower of Babel serve as both a warning and an encouragement regarding the power of unity? How can this be applied to modern-day church communities? [57:08]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between forgiveness and spiritual power? How does this align with the teachings in James 3:16? [01:23:48]
4. How can the concept of "the power of one" be practically applied in a church setting to foster a supportive and unified community? [01:28:32]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced the power of agreement in prayer. How did it impact your faith and the situation you were praying about? [49:58]
2. Are there areas in your life where you are experiencing division or strife? What steps can you take to pursue reconciliation and peace, even if it means loving from a distance? [01:22:33]
3. How can you actively contribute to building a community of support within your church or small group? What specific actions can you take to foster unity and agreement? [01:28:32]
4. Consider the relationships in your life. Is there someone you need to forgive or reconcile with to remove any barriers to your prayers? What practical steps can you take this week to address this? [01:23:48]
5. How can you ensure that your prayer life is aligned with God’s will and not just personal desires? What practices can help you discern God’s will more clearly? [49:58]
6. In what ways can you be intentional about avoiding strife and division in your interactions with others? How can you be a peacemaker in your community? [01:22:33]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group to engage in the power of agreement in prayer? What role can you play in facilitating this unity? [49:58]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: The Unleashed Power of United Prayer
When two or more individuals come together in agreement through prayer, they tap into a divine power that is unparalleled. This principle is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized that when believers align their requests on earth, it prompts action in heaven. Unity in prayer is not merely about presenting requests but involves aligning with God's will and with each other. This collective agreement in prayer can lead to transformative outcomes, as it reflects a shared faith and purpose. [49:58]
Matthew 18:19-20 (ESV): "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
Reflection: Think of a prayer request you have. Who can you invite to join you in prayer for this request, and how can you ensure your hearts are aligned in faith and purpose?
Day 2: Unity as a Catalyst for the Impossible
The story of the Tower of Babel serves as a powerful illustration of the potential of unity, even when misused. God acknowledged that nothing would be impossible for a people united in purpose and language. This divine principle remains relevant today; when believers unite with a common goal and speak the same spiritual language, they can achieve what seems impossible. This unity is not just a human endeavor but a spiritual alignment that can bring about God's will on earth. [57:08]
Genesis 11:6 (ESV): "And the Lord said, 'Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them.'"
Reflection: Identify a goal or vision you have that seems impossible. How can you collaborate with others in your community to pursue this goal with a unified purpose and language?
Day 3: The Destructive Nature of Strife
Allowing strife and division to take root in our hearts or communities can block the flow of God's power and invite confusion and evil. Discord acts as a barrier to effective prayer and spiritual growth. It is crucial to actively pursue reconciliation and peace, recognizing that unresolved conflict can hinder our prayers. By addressing and resolving strife, we open the door for divine intervention and spiritual progress. [01:22:33]
James 3:16 (ESV): "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice."
Reflection: Reflect on any unresolved conflicts or divisions in your life. What steps can you take today to pursue reconciliation and peace in these areas?
Day 4: Forgiveness as a Pathway to Spiritual Power
Forgiveness is not an optional act but a command that aligns us with God's heart. Holding onto grudges or refusing to reconcile can block our spiritual progress and prayers. We are called to forgive as we have been forgiven, releasing others and ourselves from the bondage of strife. This act of forgiveness opens the way for God's power to flow through us, enabling us to live in freedom and peace. [01:23:48]
Colossians 3:13 (ESV): "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Think of someone you need to forgive. What steps can you take today to begin the process of forgiveness and release any lingering resentment?
Day 5: Building a Community of Support
A supportive community of believers is essential for standing together in prayer and support. This requires intentional effort to build relationships and maintain unity, even when it means setting boundaries with those who sow discord. A united community is a powerful force for God's kingdom, providing strength, encouragement, and accountability. By fostering such a community, we create an environment where God's power can be fully realized. [01:28:32]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Consider your current community of believers. How can you contribute to building a more supportive and unified community, and what steps can you take to strengthen these relationships today?
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Quotes
"Matthew chapter 18 verse 19 is where we're looking today. And Jesus is the one speaking. He says, I tell you more whenever two of you on earth. Somebody shout on earth. Come on, somebody shout on earth. Now I'm going to stick a pen right there and just elaborate on why he specifically said if any two of you on earth. If you were at that first Wednesday service a week and a half ago when I taught on warfare prayers, one of the things I taught you is that from a scriptural standpoint, God does nothing in the earth unless one of his children or somebody with authority asked him to do it." [00:49:58]
"I know that flies in the face of what most of us think because when we think of God as sovereign, we tend to think that God does whatever he wants to do. And whatever happens in the earth, it must have been God's will. And that's one of the reasons why so many people walk around mad at God because somebody who had a good heart but didn't have the right information stood up and told them that when your 13-year-old child just died of cancer, it must have been the Lord's will." [00:50:32]
"So he plucked your child out. And so we leave folks thinking that everything that happens in the earth, whether good, bad, or indifferent, it is the will of God because God is sovereign. When I don't have time to teach it, so go back and listen to that message because I walked through like a lawyer trying a case. And I showed you that over and over and over in scripture, it seems as if the Bible is trying to teach us that if we want to see the hand of God moved down here, somebody down here needs to be praying, right? So he says here now that if any two of you down the road, down there on earth, if you agree about anything that you pray for, watch this, it might be done for you by my Father." [00:50:55]
"what say that a lot like you mean it he didn't say it could be there's a possibility he says if you can get two of you down here on earth to agree concerning whatever it is that you pray for now understanding whatever we pray for has got to be in line with god's will that's the that's the assumption we're making but if we know it's in line with god's will he said if any two of you down there on earth can agree about whatever you pray for it will be done for you by my father who's in heaven i mean believe god was really meaning that when he said it i mean no he's not in heaven saying psych i was just playing he literally mean that meant that and it reminds me of this story when i was a young rookie preacher i was like 23 years old had just started in ministry and i've told you before my job on staff there in detroit was to be the visitation minister so i went out to the hospitals and i remember this one time you know dennis i went out to the hospital and i got my little notes i'm getting ready to go pray for this lady i had you know kind of rehearsed my little speech what i'm going to do and i'm going to do this and i'm going going to say when i get in there and i come in to talk to this elderly lady in the hospital i don't remember what she was dealing with but i i you know greeted her and i started reading my scripture i read mark chapter 16 i said the bible says this these signs shall follow those that believe and they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover and i'm ministering to her and i'm telling her the bible doesn't say you have to be a bishop doesn't say you have to be an apostle as long as you are a believer i'm a believer i have hands i'm going to lay hands on you and in the name of jesus i'm declaring that your body's going to be healed and i had about three or four more scriptures i was getting ready to go to she stopped she's a young young young man she's you don't have to go any further i know he's going to do that this he said this because if he didn't mean it then he had no business saying it come on somebody come on that's a level of confidence that's a level of boldness what she's saying is i'm going to take god at his word because if he didn't mean that why did he say it then well now we can say the same thing about this verse right here he said if you can get any two of you down on earth to come together and agree concerning anything that you pray about he says it will not might not could be he says it will be done for you by my father who's in heaven well if he didn't mean it come on he had no business saying it what are you trying to say listen to this right here praying alone produces power but praying in agreement with another person produces unmatched power" [00:51:41]
"i can pray by myself the bible says i can produce some power james chapter 5 verse 16 says if i can confess my faults one to another pray for one for another you may be healed the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man or woman makes tremendous power available i don't i don't have to have anybody else to get power but if i can get somebody else in agreement with me it's not just regular powers unmatched power come on it's exponential power it's take the roof off kind of power and so i want you to understand a few things number one i want you to understand the power of one i want to spend a little time helping you understand the power one or the power what happens with a group of people to come together in unity understand the power one over in genesis chapter 11 verse 1 it starts off and it says this at one time all the people of the world spoke the same language somebody say same language and all the people of the world use the same words everybody say same words now if i were helping you to put together a recipe for how to have miracles in your life how to have miracles in your family how to have the power of god show up on the scene i would tell you take two doses of same language take take three scoops of one accord take take take two scoops of same words get everybody speaking the same thing because if you can get a group of people where everybody's on the same page speaking the same language have the same words there's miracles that can happen in fact i'll tell you this this is true whether you're on the positive side or negative side all you gotta do is look through history when you can get a leader they can rally a country rally a group of people even if what they're doing is for the wrong purpose they still become powerful go back and look at adolf hitler he he almost conquered the world go back and study he he almost conquered the world because he got a group of people rallying to exterminate a whole group of other people and and conquer country after country doing the wrong thing but they were all on the same page doing it and even when you read this passage here go back and read the context this is the story what we call the tower of babel where all these people came together the bible said they had one language so there was no japanese and chinese and language and and english language and and french and spanish everybody spoke the same language i don't know what language it was but they all spoke the same language which meant when one person said something everybody understood them and in that process they decided that they had a mission they wanted to undertake now understand this is after the the the flood and god was repopulating the earth he had given instructions to mankind go forth again multiply repopulate the earth in other words keep expanding until the whole earth is filled they had instructions for the whole earth and they had instructions for the whole earth from god when they decided in themselves when they got to this area they decided we're going to stay right here we don't need to go further i know what god said we don't need to go further and they said this we're going to build us a tower we call it a skyscraper that can reach up into the heavens and then this is where they made their fatal mistake fatal mistake they said so we can make a name for ourselves" [00:54:01]
"they're trying to build a tower, build a skyscraper, reach into the heavens, and they're not going to obey God anymore and keep scattering like he told them to. They said, we're going to stay right here, and we're going to make a name for ourselves." [00:56:57]
"But what they were doing was so much on one accord that the Bible says God decided that he had to personally come down to take a look at what they're doing. How many know when what you're doing gets God's attention? He didn't send Gabriel. He didn't send Michael." [00:57:08]
"He said, I need to see this for myself. And the Bible says this in verse number six. It says, God says, look, the people are unified, and they all speak the same language. Then he said this, after this. Now, you've got to ask yourself, after what? After they had all figured out how to get past their own issues?" [00:57:23]
"After they all had made a decision to put away their own selfishness? After they all decided that their own worldly motives had to be pushed to the side so they could come together on one accord? He says, after this, nothing they set out to do, will be impossible for them. Notice one thing when Moses says that whatever they do, it would not be impossible. It's one thing if Joshua tells us that. It's one thing if Abraham tells us that. It's one thing if I'm telling you my opinion that they wouldn't have been able to be stopped. But when God Almighty himself says, they become one, they have one language, they're all on one accord. Because of that, anything they try to do, they will be able to accomplish it." [00:57:43]
"Now, granted, they were doing something that was evil, so what did he do? He confounded their language." [00:58:30]
"This is why we call this place the Tower of Babel." [00:58:36]
"Because God confounded their language. He caused one group to maybe speak French, another group now speaking Spanish, another group is speaking English, another group is speaking... They had different languages, so now they can't come together and work on this tower because they are separated, because they're no longer speaking the same thing." [00:58:39]
"But if it took God confounding their language, to stop them, it ought to tell us that there's got to be a whole lot of power that shows up when you get everybody on the same page." [00:58:52]
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