I’ve probably written on this a number of times… but repetition can be a great method for understanding (and thus agreeing… or not). This point: do you realize that when we act in ‘one accord’, the power of this action is greatly increased? Actually, you really don’t have as strong a foundation when we don’t act in one accord, when there is hesitation or lack of understanding or opposing approaches. First we should look at Jesus’ instructions about love… second look at His outline/method for praying… and understand the way we demonstrate praying… and the focus/purpose/reason for the praying.
Let me give an example: personally I do not like the ‘unspoken prayer’. How can I possibly agree with the person requesting prayer if I don’t know what I’m praying for/about? Why would you trust me to pray but not trust me with the need in the prayer? There is no ‘one accord’ in this scenario. And yet it is a well practiced method of requesting prayer – it’s what’s taught!
The scripture talks about that when 2 or 3 are gathered in His Name – He is there. Do we acknowledge His presence? He knows He’s with us, we know He’s with us, but what do we do with that information – what do we do to acknowledge and act on this? How do we treat Him? Do we talk to Him? Not just in the sense of asking for help but the joy we feel and know when we are together. Does praise or worship spring forth? Do we treat Him as a friend? Knowing He’s available isn’t enough in my thinking, I believe we need to invite Him in so that He has access to US as well (and give Him opportunity to speak).
In prayer, especially, never assume. And when it comes to one accord… make certain you all are on the same page with the same definitions. Simply in the same place and maybe even the same focus – you may not have the same motives, purposes, etc. One site listed 10 different reasons for prayer… none that I disagree with. One of the greatest benefits for us in prayer is that it strengthens our relationship with our Triune God. Our trust, our understanding grows confidently the more we spend time with the prayer answerer.
This brings up my second point. I believe God always answers prayer. However, it isn’t always the answer we want. We do tend to have preconceived expectations (though rarely stated) of how things should work (who, what, when, where, how). We’re to bring the requests, ask in Jesus’ Name, believe we have the answer, and discover what it is. When we pray the scriptures over the request I think we are on a stronger foundation. Personally I like to couple Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.”
Now look at verse 7 – peace is what we receive when we follow this mindset, attitude.
Also Hebrews 4:
“Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].”
And you see what happens here… blessing – just at the right moment.
And when it comes to answered prayer… never assume a ‘wait’ is a ‘no’ and don’t assume your answer is His or the only answer. When we pray the Father’s ‘will be done’ we are giving whatever the request is to Him for final determination. It would always be the ‘right’ answer! And when we stand on the scriptures… we have peace and blessing.
