Jesus and Corporate Prayer Pt. 1
sermon application #1 written by Thomas Bluemling
Jesus and Corporate Prayer: Learning from the Master
This past Sunday, we examined a theme of prayer which is easily overlooked: Jesus and corporate prayer.
If Jesus is our teacher and example in prayer, certainly there are truths which we can glean by carefully observing His prayers with His disciples. As Pastor Vradenburgh opened up several texts in this light, our eyes were opened to many prayer-enriching truths!
Corporate Prayer and the Glory of the Cross
Luke 9:29–31
On the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus prayed with His disciples, and Moses and Elijah appeared, speaking of His “decease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem.”
The intersection of corporate prayer and the accomplishment of the cross is no coincidence.
When we seek God’s glory in prayer, He answers us with deeper revelations of the cross—for the cross is the supreme manifestation of His glory.
If the cross of Jesus Christ has become routine or dull to us, we are in great need of renewed prayer. Either the glory of the world will make the cross fade away, or the glory of the cross will make the world fade away.
Which is happening in your heart today?
Let’s join together in prayer, asking God for fresh revelations of the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:16–23; 3:14–21).
Corporate Prayer and the Priority of Prayer
Luke 11:1; Acts 6:4
When the disciples saw Jesus pray, they were moved to ask, “Lord, teach us to pray.” As Andrew Murray wrote,
“Jesus never taught His disciples to preach, but He did teach them to pray.”
Prayer is the fire and energy behind all ministry—it is how we lay hold of God’s empowering grace. This is why the apostles declared, “We will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the Word.”
Let’s reflect honestly: Are we giving ourselves to ministry for Jesus, but neglecting to first give ourselves to prayer?
If personal prayer feels weak or inconsistent, joining with others in corporate prayer is one of the best ways to rekindle it.
Corporate Prayer and the Joy of God’s Presence
We all know we should depend on the Lord in prayer. We know the verses—“pray without ceasing,” “cast all your care upon Him,” “in everything by prayer and supplication.”
So why do we so often struggle to maintain a rich prayer life?
Pastor Vradenburgh gave this searching insight:
“If we were just honest enough to come clean with God, we really don’t enjoy God enough.”
We spend time with those we love. So much as we truly love and adore God, we will desire time with Him in prayer.
“You should spend enough time in prayer,” Pastor Vradenburgh said, “to know that you’ve touched the heart of your Father and become conscious of His presence.”
Reflection:
What is it that we wouldn’t miss for the world—something of the world, or time with God?
Have we already begun to miss God for the world?
Let’s confess where our hearts have drifted and encourage one another by joining together in the corporate school of prayer.
The School of Christ in Prayer
Jesus invites His followers to learn from Him in the sacred classroom of prayer.
As we gather with others to seek His face, may we experience again the transforming glory of the cross, the empowering grace of His Spirit, and the deep joy of His presence.