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Why and how to start a small prayer group and begin praying in community with like-minded believers:
Prayer. We know we need it. The Bible teaches it. Jesus modeled it. We talk about it in church. We say, “I’ll be praying for you” and “I’ll pray about it.”
But how much do we practice prayer?
We can improve our prayer relationship with God in lots of different ways. I love personally praying the scriptures and using small sentence prayers throughout the day. I also try to talk to God about the things on my mind when the thoughts running through my head keep me from sleep.
Personal prayer in our literal or figurative prayer closet is Biblical and necessary, but God designed us for relationships. Praying in community is one way to help us pray more consistently and effectively.
A Biblical prayer group may be a Sunday School class, small group at church, or just a group of like-minded believers who love each other and love Jesus.
I have been so blessed to be a part of a regular homeschool mom’s prayer group.
About three to six ladies meet in one of our homes monthly for the express purpose of bringing our concerns before each other and before our Heavenly Father. We catch up over coffee and simple breakfast or snacks, then share the our burdens with each other.
James writes, “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16
We gather as righteous women—not because we are so good by any particular standard, or because we are such good Christian homeschooling mamas.
We are covered by God in the righteousness of Christ. (Philippians 3:9) We know that our own righteousness is like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), but we become the righteous of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Isn’t that amazing!!! Through the blood of Jesus, we can come BOLDLY before the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).
“Confess your sins to one another,” James says.
We don’t have an official time of “confessing our sins to one another,” but sharing our struggles naturally involves some confession. For example, when I am having trouble keeping my temper in check and my voice calm as a parent, I can share my struggles. Others chime in with their own failures, solutions, and encouragement.
We love, empathize, encourage, and pray.
The needs in our own lives, the lives of those we love, our communities, and our world are so weighty. Sometimes we spend a couple hours sharing burdens before we finally stop to bring our needs before the Lord. We may not mention every need out loud, but God is present in our conversation and knows our hearts. He hears. He works.
Of course, God doesn’t not always work according to our will and desires. Although we have seen Him work miracles, we do not always get the outcomes we want just because we pray together. Still, we continue to pray and encourage each other to trust His perfect plan is better than our own.
Sometimes, I’m tempted to stay home and miss our prayer meeting. When both the time and the gas budgets are limited, I can easily justify missing.
I can pray for them from home. I can just pass along my requests and know these godly ladies will pray for me. Yet, I know I am missing something I cannot get alone. I need in-person, Spirit-filled prayer, and so do you.
What if you don’t have such a prayer group? Start one.
How to Start a Small Prayer Group or Community
1. Pray. Ask God to guide you to the right people, place, time, and timing.
If God has given you a desire for a gathering of believers where you can Biblically pray for one another, He will lead you to the right people, place, and time.
2. Practice. Be sure you are developing a habit of praying on your own first, then add the accountability of a small prayer group.
3. Talk. As God leads, approach a few people in your church, friend group, or community to see who is interested. Even a group of 2 or 3 of committed believers make a great impact on each other and the world.
4. Plan. Choose a regular day, time, and place at least monthly. Ideally, you should meet in someone’s home or rotate homes. The atmosphere is so much more comfortable and relaxed. Also consider other places such as a local church, community center, or library activity room.
5. Start. Pick a day and just get going. The sooner the better.
You don’t need a fancy location or extensive agenda. Wondering how to start small prayer group? Really, just get together and start sharing and praying!
Remember, our Heavenly Father wants us to be one. We begin with united prayer.
How has a small prayer group helped you grow in your faith? Leave a comment!
