DAY 7 - Monday, February 15th, 2021
Extraordinary United Prayer
How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!
PSALM 133:1
Have you ever wondered what makes the difference between a spotlight and a laser? How can a moderate laser burn through heavy metal in a matter of seconds, while the most powerful spotlight only makes it warm? Both may have similar electrical power, but the difference is in unity. All the laser photons (light beams) are in unison, and the spotlight photons move in all different directions.
In Scripture, we see both negative and positive examples of the power of unity. In Genesis 11, for example, when the whole world had one language and a common speech, they devised a plan to build for themselves a city with a tower reaching to the sky. The problem seems to be found in their motivation: "This will make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world” (Genesis 11:4).
This drew the Lord's attention. “Look!" he said. "The people are united, and they all speak the same language. After this, nothing they set out to do will be impossible for them!" (Genesis 11:6). Of course, the result was a confusing of their language and a scattering of the people, thus stopping the building of the city.
Conversely, in Acts 2, on the day of Pentecost, when believers were all with one mind in the same place, they experienced a powerful visitation and infilling of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2:1-4). This unifying force began to remove language, cultural, and national barriers, resulting in the salvation of three thou sand souls. The synergy of their Spirit-empowered prayers created an extraordinary unity described in this way:
And day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved. (Acts 2:46-47)
Drawing from both physical and spiritual illustrations, can you imagine what will transpire in our nation when God's people gather together in extraordinary united prayer? With laser-focused prayers, putting aside cultural, denominational, racial, generational, gender, and any other biases, we can ask God for a Christ awakening in our nation, and nothing will be impossible or withheld.
THANKS
Give thanks to the Father: Father, we are grateful for the blessings you give those who walk in unity of spirit and purpose to glorify your name.
CONFESSION
Listen for the Holy Spirit's prompting for confession: Forgive us that we have too often pursued those things which will make us renowned or favored in the public eye, and this has often divided and separated us from one another. Help us to remember Paul's encouragement to "do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others" (Philippians 2:3-4).
PETITION
Join Jesus in prayers of petition: Help your people to live in such a way that we sense you saying, "This is good and pleasant," and experience the anointed power of prayer that comes when we are in unity, desiring to please you above all others, even ourselves.
WORD
Proclaim promises from His Word: Father, as we walk in a love relationship with you and one another, we believe and proclaim that we will experience the answer to Christ's prayer: "May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me" (John 17:23).
ENGAGE
Engage with other Jesus-followers in a lifestyle of prayer: Visit Intercessors for America at ifapray.org. They provide dynamic prayer guides to help synergize your prayers with others and action strategies to unite those throughout the nation who are praying for the restoration of godly values in our government, church, marketplace, and every arena of society. Visit ifapray.org to download your free guides and sign up to pray for our elected officials.