We have just celebrated Thanksgiving: together in the circle of the congregation, we united in worship and thanks to God. Through our sincere, shared prayer, we were able to experience how the unity of the congregation was strengthened.
And this is how the prayer of the congregation works: it unites us. Not only when we pray for each other individually, but much more when we pray together in the divine service.
A praying congregation is a strong congregation. When we all join the minister and pray together during the divine service, it becomes the prayer of the entire congregation. And when we pray the Lord's Prayer together, we also pray for one another. This strengthens our sense of belonging together, and we recognize that we are surrounded by love.
The Lord Jesus already pointed out that the church, that is, the congregation,
“shall be called a house of prayer for all nations” (see Mark 11:17). When He visited the temple in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, Jesus observed that much of what was going on in the temple had become an obstacle to worship and prayer. When He returned to the temple the next day, He removed what did not belong.
There may also be certain things in our hearts that hinder the effectiveness of our prayers as a congregation. For example, if we do not contribute to the unity of the congregation. Christ’s message was clear:
“If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven” (Matthew 18: 19). This means that if we are not of one mind, if we are not in harmony, if the congregation is divided by disputes or divisions, we have no assurance that God will fulfill our prayers.
Specifically, if we pray for the salvation of our children, our youth and our neighbours, we need also to help them feel at home in our midst by removing anything that may affect the unity in the congregation; then our prayers will be effective and our dear God can fulfill them.
Whether or not we are able to attend the divine service in person, the Lord knows our hearts and sees our desire to worship Him and pray together in His house. And the prayer of a united congregation works.
Together with our District Apostle, Apostles and Bishops in Canada, we assure you of our fervent prayers for you.