Let’s Pray Together

Books
Written By Trillia Newbell

The greatest benefit of prayer, of course, is that we have the privilege to participate in communion with God. But I’m so grateful for those many opportunities I’ve had to speak to God and fellowship with others. That’s why I’d like to invite you to join me in praying this summer. If you need a guide to help you along the way, I’d like to also recommend a new book Praying Together by Megan Hill.

Hill’s book will inform your prayer life. What do I mean by inform, you ask? This isn’t a “how to” book, although she does share practical tips. It is a book filled with biblical explanations, foundations, and examples for why we pray. In her own words, “And so this book about praying together must begin with the foundational reality that prayer is an activity of relationship: God and us, God and God, all of us and our God.”[i] We are invited to pray together because “In praying together, we nurture our relationship with other Christians, uniting our hearts even as we unite our voices (Acts 4:24).”[ii] I have found this to be true in my life.

The good news about praying together is it doesn’t have to be complicated. So, here’s some suggestions:

  1. Find a friend (or two or three) and pick some dates to pray together.

  2. Turn your summer book club or Bible study into a time of praying together at the end.

  3. Set up a prayer time over Skype.

  4. Open your Bible and explore what the Word says about prayer.

  5. Grab Megan Hill’s book for a bit of inspiration, instruction, and encouragement: Praying Together

  6. Pray!!

“Our Father”

It’s astonishing to me that we can say those words, “Our Father.” God is holy and awesome in every way and yet He is also our Father, who not only welcomes us to speak to him, but also invites us to. Prayer is an essential to the Christian life and a discipline that I have not only enjoyed, but have benefited from greatly. My prayer for you is that you, too, would experience the joys of praying together in your context.

“The Father’s desire to hear the prayers of his children is so radical that he says, ‘Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear’ (Isa. 65:24).”[iv]

p.s. Every week throughout the summer I’ll be posting a short prayer. Check back in if you would like to pray weekly prayer with me.

[i] Pg. 1

[ii] Pg. 27

[iii] Pg. 19

[iv] Pg. 23

 

RELATED CONTENT

BLOG
A Time to Pray
A Time to Pray

Join Kristie Anyabwile, Courtney Doctor, Dennae Pierre and I as we share a short word and lead a time of prayer. We would like to join together to pray during this unprecedented time.

Join SJ in prayer for 2020 (Copy)
Join SJ in prayer for 2020 (Copy)

It’s a new year! None of us know what 2020 will bring but we know that God will be faithful and good to us. As you may know, my family started a small online boutique to benefit the artisans in Rwanda.The response has been incredibly encouraging and faith-building. You can see some of the stories we’ve shared and other encouraging updates on our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/sjboutique2020/. We have more work to do and hope for the women and the boutique, and we hope you’ll join us in praying for our 2020 goals. We believe in the power of prayer, so many of these goals double as prayer requests. Would you join us in praying for these goals?

My future self does thank me and other updates
My future self does thank me and other updates

I’d love for you to take a moment to watch this video that includes some important updates and a prayer request! See you in September!

First Draft: Only by Prayer
First Draft: Only by Prayer

I’ve always been intrigued by the scene in Mark 9: 14-29. The disciples tried to cast out an unclean spirit and failed to do so. The father pleads with Jesus to help his son. Jesus asked him a question and the father answered, “But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus, replied, “If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.” Without hesitation the father said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” and it was granted to him. I’ve quoted that line many times: Lord, I believe, help my unbelief! But it isn’t that line that intrigues me most. At the end of their time there, the disciples pulled Jesus aside and asked him why they couldn’t cast it out. Jesus replied, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”

5 Ways to Pray for Pastors
5 Ways to Pray for Pastors

Over the past few years we have seen a number of pastors either fall into sin or burnout and then decide to call it quits. Now this isn’t new or even unique to the past few years, but perhaps because of social media and the internet in general we are more aware today of what’s going on in the church around our country and the world. And so with more news of pastors stepping away, it led me to really begin thinking about my own pastor and how I can care for him.

A Call to Prayer During Anxious Time
A Call to Prayer During Anxious Time

Praying is never an overreaction.

I shared that sentiment a few weeks ago on twitter and I believe it is true. While prayer is never an overreaction, I would dare to say it’s not always our first reaction.

An Invitation to Fast and Pray in the Wake of Tragedy
An Invitation to Fast and Pray in the Wake of Tragedy

Last night, I heard the incredibly sad news that Dallas police officers were shot and killed during a protest against cops. And at that moment, I’ve never felt more helpless…

Let’s Pray Together
Let’s Pray Together

I remember when I became a Christian, the lady who shared the gospel with me told me that she had several friends praying that I would come to know the Lord. And the day I became a Christian, three friends gathered around me and joined me in praying to the Lord for the forgiveness of my sin. I remember meeting with my two girlfriends every other week for several years, sharing about the various trials we were experiencing, the joys of life, and praying each time. I have never been a part of church that didn’t include a small group, therefore I’ve been blessed by weekly or biweekly prayer times with other believers consistently over the past 15 years…

A Gift for Your Wife on Mother’s Day
A Gift for Your Wife on Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is special. On this day, mothers are celebrated with flowers, dinners, and special handwritten notes from their children. I love gifts, but I’m also aware that my greatest need above all else is sustaining grace. This grace is available to me but the only one who can give it is God. My husband can’t give me the gift I need to do the work of motherhood (though a massage is always accepted—hint hint). Joking aside, what my husband can do is pray that God would provide all I need for the task and all of life…

Condemnation and Abortion
Condemnation and Abortion

This was on my heart last night for those who will be in church today who have had abortions, who have asked forgiveness and continue to struggle.

Trillia Newbell
Previous

Politics aren’t Worth Your Friendships
Next

Things I “Like”