Thoughts for Life: #81 The Prayer of Agreement

Dr. Wesley L. Duewel- Jesus placed a tremendous value on agreement in prayer.

Matthew quotes Christ's words on prayer agreement in the context of the way you should react when your brother sins against you and any disciplinary action of the church that may be involved.

In this context Jesus states three general principles, very broad in their application and impact. They are all interrelated in this teaching concerning prayer (Matt. 18:18-20). (Agree in prayer, Google image)

1. God's people have been given power of binding and loosing
(v. 18).
2. God's people have special power by agreement in prayer (v. 19).
3. God's people are assured of Christ's presence when they meet together for prayer (v. 20).

These principles are laws of the kingdom and laws of prayer that far transcend dealing with an erring brother. They are true for all of prayer as it relates to the total interests of Christ's kingdom.

United prayer is probably the most powerful expression of Christian unity, and to agree in prayer is the most specific and powerful form of united prayer.

It is the crowning activity in group prayer. It does not replace private prayer but builds upon it. United prayer does not necessarily lead to it, but it is always possible.

Jesus placed solemn emphasis on this teaching by saying, "Amen" (or "I tell you the truth." NIV). "Again [implying a second amen], I tell you [emphasizing the significance of what He is about to say] that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for..."(v.19)

Jesus is emphasizing many wonderful truths in the short space of three verses:

1. This is momentous truth. He says, in effect, "Amen, amen" — which has been translated "Verily, verily, I say unto you," or "I tell you the truth."

2. It is for practical life and God's kingdom activities. "On earth" is repeated twice. It is for you and me living day by day for the glory of God and concerned about the extension of His kingdom.

3. It is for believers as part of His body, the church. It is so simple that it is available wherever God's people are. It will even hold true if only two believers are involved together.

4. It is accomplished through prayer. Whether binding or loosing, or any other kind of Christian concern, it is a guaranteed method for God's results in prayer.

5. It is for every practical matter of kingdom business. Jesus used the word pragma, from which we get our word pragmatic. The phrase pantos pragmatos we could translate "every practical matter."

6. It is specially done by uniting in prayer... Any number of people from two to ten thousand might be involved. It makes use of the cumulative effect of united prayer.

7. It requires total unity, harmony and agreement in prayer... We must pray till there is a total symphony of agreement among those praying.

8. Jesus Himself is present... He is especially, significantly, and purposely present in an even more wonderful way among His people whenever they meet to agree in prayer.

9. This is a special prayer of beautiful harmony, total agreement, and sweet symphony. It is made possible and guaranteed effective by Christ's own presence. He is the great, eternal, and moment-by-moment Intercessor... Jesus Himself is always there, joining in the united prayer, and especially so in the agreement of prayer.

Used by permission of the author and Duewel Literature Trust, Inc., Greenwood, Indiana
(With Jean's impressions added)

Mighty Prevailing Prayer
#81 The Prayer of Agreement
by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
(pp. 136 -137) Zondervan

Hand on Bible
Google image

Let's pray-

Father, we need Your Spirit's guidance in our praying, as we want to accomplish Your will.
Help us to understand that through our prayers, we can bind or loose others in their situations, to allow them the freedom You desire for them.
May we see the results of our praying, that it will encourage us to believe we have been guaranteed Your involvement and provision.
As You're with us when we pray, Jesus, impress us with how You want us to pray about the need at hand, and help us be united in the request.
Thank You for hearing us today, and may our lives reflect You in our daily living. I ask this in Your most holy Name. Amen.

Today's Bible verses-

(Matt. 21:22 KJV) "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."

(1 Cor. 1:10 NIV) "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought."

(Matt. 18:19, 20 NIV) "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. (v 20) For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

Today's quote-

Dr. Wesley L. Duewel- "The Holy Spirit revives your spirit, fills you with abundance of life, love and zeal, and sets you aglow so that you manifest the vibrant, radiant life of God. He will revive your devotion, accelerate your obedience, and fan into flame your zeal. As a Spirit- filled believer you should be marked by the intense devotion, eager earnestness, and the loyal bond-service which characterizes the heavenly angels." (p. 24 of his book, ABLAZE FOR GOD )

Today's popular post-

#3 Ground-level Spiritual Warfare

C. Peter Wagner is going to share
with us next about the ministry of
casting out demons.
The first time Jesus sent out his 12 disciples, "He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out (Matt. 10:1).
When the 70, whom Jesus sent out in Like 10, returned from their mission, they said with great joy,.."

Upcoming posts-

#82 The Power in Prayer of Agreement

12th- Thursday's post by Dr. Wesley l. Duewel

Locked Into Love

14th- Saturday's post by Jean Oathout

#83 How to Agree in Prayer

17th- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

#84 Agree in Claiming an Appropriate Prayer

19th- Thursday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel