Daily Devotionals

Escaping Ordinary Week 1: Saturday

“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. Matthew 18:19

God never intends that we do life alone. The loneliness that we feel when we do not live in a community and try to live life on our own is evidence enough. God made us for relationships. We need to help each other as we walk through the storms of life. We need to encourage each other when we are sad. We need to study the Bible together. We also need to pray together. When we pray together, God does big things.

 Jesus emphasized the importance of praying together in Matthew 18. In this chapter, Jesus told them, “If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you” (verse 19). To come together and “agree here on earth” means to pray together. When Jesus told his listeners this that day, He promised that He provides and hears when we pray. Next, He explained, “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them” (verse 20). What a profound statement! When we pray with other followers of Christ, even when it is just two or three of us, Christ promises He is with them. When Christ is among us, He moves.  

This truth that Jesus hears us when we pray together makes all the difference for us. It means that He is there with us when we pray and that He answers. We may not get the answer we are looking for, but He answers according to His will. He works all things together according to our good and His glory. God does big things when we pray together, friends. Therefore, we must keep praying together. What a privilege and blessing that we get to pray together and that He hears us and responds when we pray.

Moving toward action

Gather a few friends together today to pray. As you all come together, share prayer requests. Share the needs you have and areas where you need encouragement. Share good things God has done for you to praise Him together. After everyone has shared, pray together, praying for each request and praising God. Cultivate this habit and make a plan to pray together regularly. After all, God made us for relationships.

Going Deeper

Matthew 18:15-20 (NLT)

“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 17 If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.

18 “I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.

19 “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. 20 For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”