By Freddie Trammell
The concept of agreement in prayer has its origin in the Old Testament; however, Jesus reestablished the strength and the power of prayer partners in Matthew 18:19. Jesus said, “If any two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for hem of my Father which is in heaven.”
The word ‘touching’ holds specific significance in this scripture. Why did not Jesus simply say, “If any two of you agree on earth on anything that they shall ask…?” It is my belief that Jesus included ‘touching’ because this word bespeaks closeness, feeling, warmth, connection, and love. When two people agree to pray with love, heartfelt care and a common connection with the person or situation for which they are petitioning God, there is power and approval by Almighty God. Also, praying with agreement is obedience to His Word, which God honors above all other sacrifice.
In the Old Testament, a heathen King, Sennacherib of Assyria, came against the Children of God. We will call him “See” for short. When “See” commanded his emissaries to go into the camp of Israel and threaten them, King Hezekiah of Judah and the prophet Isaiah decided to become prayer partners. “Ole Sen” boasted that he had conquered many of his foes and their gods could not intervene for them; so, says “Sen,” “Why do you even entertain the thought–your God will save you from my attack?” The leader of government and God’s leader teamed up as prayer partners! “And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah, the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven. And the Lord sent an angel which cut off all the mighty men of valor, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria, so he returned with shame of face to his own land…” (D Chronicles 32:20, 21).
In the New Testament, Peter and John prayed together as prayer partners. They had a set hour of prayer at the temple, (Acts 3), and they saw the miraculous happen! Peter and John had been fishing buddies (friends) when Jesus called them from their boats and fishing nets to become “fishers of men.” They were acutely aware of the vital necessity of consistent prayer in the art of soul-winning (Luke 5:9, 10). In the book of the Acts of the Apostles, Peter and John are mentioned together seven times. Two friends became prayer partners.
“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God; and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every ones bands were loosed” (Acts 16:25, 26). Two preachers prayed as partners. The results were: (1) People in bondage were aware these preachers were preying. (2) The very foundation of bondage was shaken (strongholds broken)’ (3) Doors were opened for them, (4) All the people were delivered from bondage.
Jesus chose seventy special disciples and sent them out “two and two.” He carefully instructed them concerning money, apparel, public relations, food, and presentation of the gospel of deliverance; but, his first command to these thirty-five sets of two was “Pray.” “Therefore, said he unto them, the harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few; pray…” (Luke 10:2). These were prayer partners called and ordained by the Lord.
Study the scriptures concerning Mary and Martha coming to Jesus on behalf of the* brother whom Jesus raised from the dead. Could this not be sisters as prayer partners?
Manoah and Mrs. Manoah, with great concern and sincerity, inquired of the Lord (an angel), concerning the rearing of the* promised child’ Priscilla and Aquila had church services in the* home. Surely they prayed together. Husband and wife prayer partners!
God is well pleased when we are obedient to His Word and become committed to prayer partners; agreeing together, believing, and rejoicing together as we witness the Lord God honoring His Word.
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