Is group prayer important?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Both the Old and New Testaments show God’s people praying in community (Exodus 14:10-14; Ezra 8:21-23; Acts 4:31). Prayer binds believers together, encouraging each person present by sharing burdens with God, as early church believers did when James was killed and Peter imprisoned; praising Him together, as Solomon and the Israelites did when dedicating the temple; and seeking Him for direction, as Jehoshaphat and the people did when the nation was threatened by outside forces. We learn and are sharpened in our faith when we pray with other believers. It is also a way in which we worship God corporately. We come to Him together, as His called-out people, to give Him praise, to seek His will, to confess our sins, and to confess our reliance on Him. All who are children of God through Jesus Christ have the privilege of approaching God in prayer alone and with brothers and sisters in Christ.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Old Testament records many prayers where the Israelites came together to pray for deliverance (Judges 21:2-3), to seek God’s will (Ezra 8:21-23), to praise Him (Nehemiah 9:5-6), and for other reasons.
• In Old Testament times, God’s people joined together in prayer often, such as when the Israelites cried out for deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 2:23-25), Solomon led Israel in prayer at the temple dedication (1 Kings 8:22-53), the nation gathered to seek God’s help during Jehoshaphat’s reign (2 Chronicles 20:3-12), Ezra led a prayer of confession for the returned exiles (Ezra 9:5-15), and the people united in confession and worship in Nehemiah’s day (Nehemiah 9:1-38).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The New Testament church was characterized by a devotion to prayer (Acts 2:42).
• In Acts 4:31, the group of believers prayed together, praising God, acknowledging threats, and asking for boldness and healing; their united prayer was answered when they were filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered to speak God’s Word boldly.
• Prayer was important to the early church (Acts 6). The apostles chose deacons who would help with the daily distribution to widows saying, "But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4).
• In Acts 12, after James was killed and Peter imprisoned, a group of believers gathered together to pray (Acts 12:5). Even they were shocked when God answered their prayers by miraculously freeing Peter.
• James 5:14 advises the elders to pray together over the sick.
• Group prayer is one of the ways in which we can carry one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2; James 5:13-18). We are to develop intimacy with God through private times of prayer and also enjoy fellowship and seek God corporately through group prayer.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Praying together as a group isn’t just a tradition—it’s a powerful way God unites us in faith, encouragement, and love. When we join in prayer like the early church, we experience a shared strength that fuels courage and hope far beyond what we can muster alone. Imagine standing with others as you lift up a hurting friend, carrying their burdens, knowing you’re not alone in interceding. Just like the believers in Acts 12 who gathered to pray for Peter’s release and witnessed God’s miraculous answer, our united prayers can invite God’s power and presence in ways personal prayer alone cannot. Group prayer builds community, sharpens faith, and invites God’s transformative work in us and through us. May we not neglect gathering and praying together, knowing that knowing that in our unity, God’s Spirit moves mightily to bring healing, breakthrough, and renewed strength for His glory.

UNDERSTAND

• Group prayer unites believers in worship, encouragement, and shared dependence on God.
• The Bible shows many examples of believers praying together, inviting God’s power and presence.
• Group prayer strengthens faith, carries burdens, and creates a spiritual unity among believers.

REFLECT

• How has praying with others impacted your faith or given you strength during difficult times?
• How do you feel differently connected to God and others when you pray together rather than just alone?
• How might you be more intentional about joining or leading group prayer to support and encourage others?

ENGAGE

• How does shared prayer help us carry each other’s burdens differently than individual prayer?
• What are some biblical examples of group prayer that inspire how we pray together today?
• How can we as believers grow in faith and unity through regular group prayer? How can that serve as a powerful witness for others?