Who Do You Pray With?

~~~ Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time ~~~
~~~ Ezekiel 33:7-9 ~~~ Psalm 95 ~~~ Romans 13:8-10 ~~~~
~~~ Matthew 18:15-20 ~~~

 ...where two or three are gathered together in my name,
there am I in the midst of them.

There are so many ways for us to join with others in prayer.
Jesus is careful not to stipulate that those
praying together must be in physical contact with each other.
He dos not say they must be in the same place...
under the same roof.
We only need make the intention to join with
others in common prayer.
We can join together in prayer at a specific time
to pray for a specific intention.
I have been asked to join others in prayer on a certain date.
Many times we observe a moment of collective silence
to remember and pray for victims of a public tragedy.
It does not matter what the reason is that spurs us to prayer;
it only matters that we join together in prayer.
Jesus promises to give us his presence when we join together in prayer.

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

The voice of the Lord is most often heard during our time of prayer.
When praying with others our faith is strengthened
 as each person shares their rewards of praying.

God spoke to his people through his prophets.
Today who is to say that God does not speak
 to us through our friends especially the ones
we come together with in prayer.

Who do you pray with?
Do you pray with your spouse or significant other?
Do you pray with your children?
Do you pray with your friends?
Do you ever pray with strangers?

Is God able to speak through you?
Are you willing to be God's mouthpiece?
You may be the only voice of God another person ever hears.

When we come together to pray we come together
 to share our fears and our hopes.
We come together in prayer to share our story.

In prayer we invite God to be with us...
we believe that he is listening.

Praying with others does make a difference.
There is strength in numbers even when praying.

Praying with others keeps you focused
 on the intentions of the other person for that time of prayer.

If you have others to pray with then surely you are Blessed.
You are Blessed because you have friends
that share your belief in the power of prayer.

~~~ Peace~~~