Whether we call it a Bible study group, Small Group, Life Group, or Prayer Group . . . when believers gather, we should pray. The central focus of the groups should always be growing in our knowledge of God’s Word, the Bible, and joining in a time of prayer and praise. Our church actually has a time of Prayer Praise & Share during Sunday morning worship where the congregation can ask for prayer or share praises and then an elder leads in corporate prayer. What a precious time, but admittedly not always feasible in a larger church.
However, like the believers who met in a home to pray for Peter when he was in prison (Acts 12:1-17), church members often form a prayer group to pray during times of emergencies or crisis. Permanent prayer groups might spawn from such an experience.
Our church also has a weekly prayer group that started thirty-five years ago when three women got together to pray. One of those original group members is still a faithful participant and the prayer group meets every Thursday at 4:00 PM for the sole purpose of praying over prayer requests, church needs, the community, and the country . . . whatever the Holy Spirit leads them to pray.
A prayer group is simply a group of believers who meet on a regular basis to pray and praise in the name of the Lord. Some prayer groups might have a specific focus like praying for their community or praying for families, or praying for elections and government. Moms praying for children. Some groups might pray for prisoners. The neighborhood. Schools. The list is endless.
A prayer group doesn’t require many members so that everyone has a chance to participate, but it also shouldn’t be exclusive or limited. If a prayer group grows beyond six then they can break into smaller groups when it’s time to pray.
Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. John 16:24 NLT
When I asked prayer group members what their reasons were for participating, their answers expressed a variety of blessings. Here are six reasons that might resonate with you:
Reason #1 to Join a Prayer Group: Accountability
“Refocuses my daily thoughts.”
The original member of our church prayer group that I mentioned in the introduction said she goes to the church to pray on the designated day and time even when she knows the other members can’t attend. She knows she’ll take the full hour to pray without the distractions at home.
So often, we mean to pray but the day just slips away, the phone rings, or a family member interrupts and we never get back to our “prayer closet.” Attending a prayer group that meets at a specific time and day with the purpose of prayer keeps us accountable in our prayer life.
There’s also accountability to the other members who expect attendance and mutual participation. Meeting with the family of God helps us become comfortable verbalizing prayers. God doesn’t care how we pray; He just wants us to pray. Prayer is our conversation with God.
You do not have because you do not ask God. James 4:2