Throughout church history, God’s people have gathered for corporate prayer. In fact, many of the greatest revivals started as believers joined together in community prayer meetings. In the early church, believers met often – sometimes daily – for prayer and worship.

In our present culture of busyness, we have lost a bit of the urgency of corporate prayer meetings. Our ability to use the internet effectively has certainly grown our audiences and brought some remarkable benefits to the church. However, we must remember that gathering for corporate worship and prayer is essential to our spiritual journey.

What exactly is corporate prayer? Corporate prayer is simply praying as one. When we gather together and combine our prayers as one body of Christ the results are powerful.

The Psalmist wrote, “Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together” (Psalm 34:3). The element of being together in prayer is what’s important.

Corporate prayer times may include common prayers such as “the Lord’s prayer” (Matthew 6:9-13). Everyone might recite the words together. Or, it might be as simple as believers gathering for prayer and praying in one accord around common themes. As the leader suggests various topics, the participants pray together for those suggested topics. Corporate prayer meetings can take place in a small group of friends gathering to pray together for the strengthening of their marriages or in a small group of parents who gather regularly to pray for their kids. The important element of corporate prayer is that it is praying together.

I remember for many years, my in-laws gathered with a small group of neighbors every Sunday evening for times of corporate prayer. Together, they prayed for all their kids and grandkids and any other concerns that surfaced in their group. Through the years they witnessed God’s faithfulness as He answered many of their cries.