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.
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.
I loved the testimony of your Cancer scare – GOD is so good to each one of us. The time I remember of when the whole church gathered around us in prayer was the time that Louis had been told about having bleeding ulcers in his stomach – back then they did not check him for cancer while the bleeding was going on in his body. It was a whole in his stomach – we rushed him to the Hospital and they had to begin giving him blood transfusions immediately – the most of the church came to the Hospital and gathered in waiting rooms and hall ways and beginning praying – the whole closed up without surgery and the bleeding stopped – Louis still had to have some transfusions – but the doctors were amazed. Then there were many other times the LORD came down and intervened in Louis’ life. The LORD always arrives just in time and just when we need HIM the most. I love to hear the testimonies of other people – it is always so up-lifting to other Christians. I love the verse Psalm 122.1 – Let us go into the house of the LORD – always. He asked for wisdom and knowledge instead of material things – He wanted to teach the people and show them GOD’S mighty works. It is always the things you and I ask for from GOD that really matters in our lives. The results of our prayers will be answered according to GOD himself and HE is always right on time with everything – we must not ask amiss. We have found a wonderful church in Orlando – this is something we prayed much for – GOD has restored my life through prayer and fasting – I can never praise HIM enough for everything HE has done for me in my lifetime. When you and I gather with other believers for a very special need – then all things are worked out according to GOD. It is very uplifting to gather with other Prayer warriors even if there is not a need at the time – The LORD knows. The Bible tells us to gather together with GOD’S people. Many times we do not have to wait on the LORD very long for answers to our prayers – HE knows just when to take care of us and things in our lives. I love my prayer times with the LORD – it is just HIM and me in this special place. Thanks – Karen – another great lesson.