An American pastor visiting a Christian College campus in Korea was surprised to see large groups of young people assembling very early each morning for united prayer. This experience led him to the following conclusions:
“Part of the reason I think private prayer is more common than corporate prayer in America is that there is a discomfort in group praying that has not allowed us to experience intimacy because we have not done it enough…We in America suffer from Spiritual AIDS: acute intimacy deficit syndrome. The individualistic bent in modern life reduces intimacy between and among human beings, especially at the group level.” --https://www.strategicrenewal.com/ten-myths-pastors-believe-about-prayer-part-1/
One of the keys to the growth and success of the early church in the book of Acts is there persistence in being together--”One In Him”. Acts 2:42-44 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in [*THE] prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.-NKJV ( *The most accurate translations of this passage include “the” in front of the word “prayers” emphasizing that group prayer was the type of prayer being talked about. The Expanded Bible and New International Reader's Version and other translations make this even clearer: “praying together”, “prayer meetings”, “prayed together.”)
Perhaps if besides church once a week, we eat, pray, fellowship and work together to “Make Him Known” we might experience these same blessings of greater spiritual depth, oneness in Christ, and growing the kingdom? One of the easiest ways to get into this lifestyle is to join a small group. Some of our elders have begun and other elders are preparing to begin their groups so stay tuned for updates. And remember, you don’t have to be an elder to start a small group. Contact any pastor or your elder if you would like to join or start a small group of your own. --Pastor Mike
