Acts 1:14 NLT

'They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.'

The Bible is rich in its examples of ways to pray. One of the most creative and enriching ways to pray is with a group of other Christians. Like so many disciplines, it is often easier to generate momentum and maintain focus by joining with others in the same task. This is the simple message of Weightwatchers, now WW.

Last year, a long-standing friend and I launched an invitation to the over-55s who lived locally to gather informally in someone’s home once a month to wait on God and pray. Often older people feel a loss of purpose, even identity, as they enter into this third age of life. Yet, God never abandons us and there are many opportunities to remain active in serving God’s kingdom on earth until our mortal years end. As we meet, it is wonderful to listen to stories of what God is doing, to pray for one another in very real situations of need, and to address global issues through our prayers.

I always walk away deeply encouraged and alive. Praying with others, no matter what my mood when I arrived, has lifted me, refreshed my faith and given me a renewed sense of purpose. We are simply a group of like-minded people offering each other support. We share our stories; we laugh and cry with each other as we face similar realities, particularly associated with this season of life. The Christian journey is never meant to be experienced and expressed in isolation. We each have our all-age Sunday experience in a variety of churches, and now monthly, midweek age-related fellowship.

The essential concept within the word “prayer” is an action that seeks to carry the needs we feel for ourselves, loved ones and the wider world to God. It is in listening for what God says in response, for prayer is always a conversation. Having listened, we can pray with confidence and continue to come to God with our concerns and needs. Praying with others may prove a constructive way for you to establish a regular prayer rhythm.

QUESTION: What opportunities to pray with others do you have?

PRAYER: Ignite within me, dear Lord, a passion to pray.