Counsels on Relationships

Counsel #14 — Collective Prayer

Picture: Counsel #14 — Collective Prayer CR 45.1

Prayer groups aren’t just about closing your eyes and reciting powerful words. They’re about growing closer to God with like-minded believers. Think about the early church in Acts 1:14. They gathered constantly in prayer, united in purpose, and built deep community while waiting on God’s power. Later, in Acts 12, when Peter was thrown into prison, there was a house full of believers praying together that led to a miracle. Back in biblical days, prayer wasn’t just something they did; it was the heartbeat of their friendships and their faith. CR 45.2

Prayer doesn’t just move things on earth—it reaches all the way into heaven. Revelation 5:8 describes the prayers of God’s people like incense rising before His throne. That means when you pray, heaven listens and angels move. Through prayer, closed doors can open, healing can happen, impossible circumstances can shift, and peace can flood situations that once felt hopeless. Jesus prayed with His disciples in His darkest hour, modeling what it means to carry one another in prayer. Never underestimate what happens when two or three gather in Jesus’ name. Most importantly, prayer doesn’t just change situations. It changes you.^[45] CR 45.3

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20 NIV CR 45.4

“We utter words that reach the throne of the Monarch of the universe.” Ellen White in Prayer, p. 13 CR 45.5

Reflect: Do you see prayer as a habit or a conversation with God? CR 45.6