Online Bible Study Prayer

Prayer – Lesson 8

Why We Need Each Other

It was Wednesday and our family was headed to church. Midweek service was a staple for us. I was desperate to get there for it had been the worst day of my life. The word “cancer” was still ringing in my ears. A diagnosis we never expected to hear, I needed the Church more than ever before.

Our pastor called us down for prayer, and the entire congregation followed my husband and me to the altar. Friends pressed close. Loving hands joined with ours. Shaken to the core, we leaned into their love. These, our prayer warriors. This, the Church.

ID-10063415

I’ll never forget that time in the sanctuary where so many people bombarded heaven on my behalf. That’s a gift you can’t put a price on.

God heard and answered those prayers. After the cancer was removed surgically, the prognosis was good and there was no need for chemo. That was 28 years ago and I am still cancer-free.

What if I had stayed home that Wednesday evening? What if the Church had not prayed? Would things have turned out differently? Did prayer really make the difference? I believe it did.

The Bible says we have not because we ask not. Scripture confirms we should present our requests to God. I’ve witnessed many answers to prayer in my life and know how valuable it is. I also know that when we face a crisis, we need others to pray for us.

Scripture Reading:

Psalm 122:1

I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

Hebrews 10:25

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

2 Corinthians 1:9-11

We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.

Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us.

On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

Isaiah 38:16

You restored me to health and let me live.

Psalm 69:3

You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.

Questions to consider:

1. Describe a time you were under great pressure and needed prayer support. How did it come to you?

2. We read in 1 Corinthians that Paul’s sentence of death led to something greater. What resulted?

3. What should result from the prayers of many?

4. In what way has God restored you?

5. What are the benefits of gathering with other believers in the sanctuary of God?

Summary:

The Church is more than a place we go. We are the Church. I love being surrounded by prayer warriors when there’s a need. People who will send petitions and requests to God on our behalf. May I encourage you to keep attending church. Get involved in a small group. Ask others to pray for you. Pray for them. Then don’t forget to thank the Lord who hears and answers. Prayer is vital. Don’t leave home without it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

One thought on “Prayer – Lesson 8

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *