What does the Bible say about corporate prayer?

TL;DR:

Prayer connects us to God both personally and as a community, deepening our relationship with Him and with one another. Corporate prayer unites believers in purpose and humility, empowering the church to support, encourage, and grow together in faith.

what does the bible say?

We commune with the Lord through prayer. When we pray, we are speaking to Him, sharing our heart, telling Him what's on our minds, adoring His majesty, asking for His help, and returning His love. Corporate prayer allows us to do all this but as a church family. The Old Testament shows corporate prayer as part of temple worship (1 Kings 8:22-53; 2 Chronicles 6:12-42), expressing gratitude toward God (Nehemiah 8:6), and interceding for others (Exodus 32:30-32).

Corporate prayer was also part of the early church (Acts 2:42-47). In several of Paul’s letters, he asks for prayer from the church to whom he is writing (Romans 15:30-32; 2 Corinthians 1:11; Ephesians 6:18-20; Colossians 4:3-4; 2 Thessalonians 3:1). James also writes to the church about the importance of praying together for healing and for confessing sin because "the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working" (James 5:16). As with our individual prayers, in corporate prayer, we should always pray in accordance with God’s will (1 John 5:14-15). By praying together,

we are actively supporting brothers and sisters in Christ in their thankfulness, requests, and praise.

from the old testament

Public prayers were part of temple worship and sacrifices, showing corporate devotion (1 Kings 8:22-53; 2 Chronicles 6:12-42).
Moses interceded on behalf of the people, demonstrating corporate intercession (Exodus 32:30-32; Numbers 14:13-20).
Daniel prayed three times a day, showing a pattern of regular, personal and corporate prayer (Daniel 6:10).

from the new testament

The church is called the " body of Christ " (1 Corinthians 12:27), and Hebrews 10 specifically encourages believers to gather together to encourage one another in the faith (Hebrews 10:23-25). The model prayer Jesus taught His disciples begins with "Our Father" (see Matthew 6:9-13; emphasis added). Believers form a community in which we enjoy relationship with God. Both private prayer and corporate prayer are important.
We can learn about corporate prayer from the early church’s attitude towards it. The early church "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers … And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved" (Acts 2:42-47). The Bible is full of other examples of believers praying together and asking for prayer (Acts 1:14; 12:12; Romans 15:30-32; 2 Corinthians 1:11; Ephesians 6:18-20; Colossians 4:3-4; 2 Thessalonians 3:1). Corporate prayer has always been part of the church.

implications for today

Corporate prayer teaches us how to pray as we listen to what other people pray for and the way they pray about those things. In prayer we get to know each other more intimately as our walls are removed and we approach our Savior in humility. Corporate prayer can also reveal wrong attitudes towards God. Corporate prayer strengthens the church and unites us in purpose, joining together to fight the attacks of the enemy and fight for one another.

The power of corporate prayer is the same as the power of private prayer: God Himself, not our words, number of people praying, body posture, nor anything else. Believers have the privilege of coming to God in prayer (Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Philippians 4:6-7). Prayer is a means by which God chooses to accomplish His will, but it is according to His wisdom (Luke 11:13; Ephesians 6:18; 1 John 5:14-15).

People praying together unites us in mind and purpose, but it does not magically force God to act as we want Him to. Rather, it is a way for us to come together in community and humility before God, entrusting ourselves to Him and seeking His will.

Corporate prayer should never be a performance to gain others’ respect or admiration. Jesus warns against prayers like that (Matthew 6:5-8), indicating that earthly respect is the only reward for hypocritical prayer. However, if we are humble before God, we can participate in powerful corporate prayer that edifies us, grows us in our relationship with God, and builds up the body of Christ.

understand

Corporate prayer unites believers, strengthening their relationship with God and each other.
Both private and corporate prayer are essential.
Corporate prayer is modeled by Jesus and the early church.

reflect

How does joining others in prayer help deepen your own relationship with God?
How has praying with your church family challenged or encouraged your faith?
How do you balance your private prayer life with corporate prayer, and what impact does that have on your spiritual growth?

engage

How does corporate prayer shape our understanding of community and faith within the body of Christ?
What attitudes or barriers might hinder our participation in meaningful corporate prayer, and how can we overcome them?
How can corporate prayer both reflect and strengthen the unity and diversity within the church?