Prayer Should Build Community

Ruth Ann Stites, Staff Writer

One of the central tenants of the Christian faith is that we are all members of God’s family. The concept of relationship is foundational to our understanding of the triune nature of God (John 1:14; 2 Cor. 3:17;  Matt. 28:19, our salvation (John 3:16-18; John 6:37-40; Gal. 3:26-28), and the way we worship and serve as the church (I Tim. 3:14-15; Eph. 2:11-22; Acts 2:42-47).

The concept of a triune God must be deduced from Scripture rather than having “proof texts” to validate it (see verses above for intriguing hints). Yet, in Pastor McCarty’s thinking, the triune principle is a priority. We have a phrase we use to illustrate how the Godhead, individuals, and the church should relate to each other in a “Perfect-Purpose-Relationship.” Unpacking that phrase would take a lifetime of living in relationship with the Godhead and others just as creating it did. (Pastor McCarty was in his eighties when we worked out the exact wording of it.) But a simple review of the concept is this. Just as our triune Godhead lives in relationship, we are invited into relationship with God and other Christians. That relationship has purpose; one purpose is that within its scope is the entire ministry of the church in this world. And it is perfect even as he is perfect. Pastor’s favorite illustration of human perfection is his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In his sight they are perfect (complete; mature) just as they are, but he is longing to see them become more perfect as they age and, especially, spiritually as Jesus commanded in Matthew 5:48. In Hebrews 10:14 we see that it is through the Master that we are made perfect. Paul reflets on the process of becoming perfect or mature in Philippians:

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. (Phil. 3:14-16, you might like to read the entire chapter)

Prayer is one of the most powerful tools we can employ in strengthening the three-way bond of that Perfect-Purpose-Relationship. Paul in Romans 8 gives us several snapshots of that relationship in action. I will only quote a couple of verses here, but I encourage you to read all of it as a description of that dynamic three-way relationship.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. (Rom. 8:26-27)

There are many ways we can engage with others in a community of prayer. Obviously sharing our prayer needs with our church and small groups in person is always appropriate. But we live in the electronic age and should make use of the tools at our disposal to ask for immediate prayer needs when they arise. Beyond email, messaging, especially for small groups, is effective. My small church shares our prayer needs through a text message list. I also share requests with work colleagues and friends by text. Our editor has investigated other technological options. He recommends the PrayerMate app, available from the Play and App Stores.

Prayer is a privilege. Prayer is a duty. Prayer is never inappropriate. Prayer changes lives, including our own, and pleases the Father. And prayer takes us deeper and deeper into a Perfect-Purpose-Relationship as it draws us together to praise our God forever. So, what are you waiting for…pray!

(Photo credit: R.A. Stites, Compton Gardens, Bentonville)