There is something powerful about one person praying. But throughout Scripture, there are remarkable moments when God’s people pray together—and things change.
When Esther faced an impossible situation, she did not rely only on her position or influence. She sent a message to Mordecai: “Gather together all the Jews . . . and fast for me” (Esther 4:16). God’s people united, and a crisis became a call to prayer and fasting. God opened a way, and a people marked for destruction were delivered.
When Jonah preached to Nineveh, an entire city responded. From the king to ordinary citizens, people humbled themselves, fasted and cried out to God (Jonah 3:5–10). God saw their response and extended mercy.
The New Testament church understood the same principle. Before Pentecost, the disciples did not begin with programs or strategies. Acts 1:14 tells us, “They all joined together constantly in prayer.” Then came Pentecost. The Holy Spirit was poured out, the gospel was proclaimed with power and about 3000 people were baptised.
Recently, I was reminded again of the beauty and power of God’s people praying together. Across the South Pacific Division, we joined together in a prayer vigil. Different countries, cultures, churches, institutions and ministries were united by one purpose—to seek God together and pray for His mission.
As I listened to prayers being offered from across the Pacific, I was reminded that our greatest strength is not found in our plans, resources, technology or strategies. All these have their place, but they can never replace our dependence upon God.
Corporate prayer reminds us that the mission belongs to God, power comes from God and results must ultimately also come from God.
As we move forward in mission across the South Pacific, perhaps before asking, “What more can we do?” we should first ask: “What might God do if His people prayed together?”
