The Power of Praying Together

Quotes from Ellen White's Writings

Ellen G. White

A POWER GREATER

“If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in Heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:19, 20). “Ask of Me, and I will answer your requests.”

“The promise is made on condition that the united prayers of the church are offered, and in answer to these prayers there may be expected a power greater than that which comes in answer to private prayer. The power given will be proportionate to the unity of the members and their love for God and for one another.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 9, p. 303

ONLY TAKES 2 OR 3

“The Lord has promised that where two or three are met together in His name, there will He be in the midst. Those who meet together for prayer will receive an unction from the Holy One. There is great need of secret prayer, but there is also need that several Christians meet together and unite with earnestness their petitions to God.” In Heavenly Places, p. 91.

UNITEDLY MAKE KNOWN YOUR TROUBLES

“It is in the order of God that those who bear respon­sibilities should often meet together to counsel with one another and to pray earnestly for that wisdom which He alone can impart. Unitedly make known your troubles to God. Talk less; much precious time is lost in talk that brings no light. Let brethren unite in fasting and prayer for the wisdom that God has promised to supply liberally.” Gospel Workers (1892 ed.), p. 236

ENCIRCLE THE WORLD

“A chain of earnest, praying believers should en­circle the world. Let all pray in humility. A few neigh­bors may meet together to pray for the Holy Spirit. Let those who cannot leave home, gather in their children, and unite in learning to pray together. They may claim the promise of the Saviour: ‘Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them’ (Matthew 18:20).” In Heavenly Places, p. 93

NOTHING MORE NEEDED

“There is nothing more needed in the work than the practical results of communion with God. We should hold convocations for prayer, asking the Lord to open the way for the truth to enter the strongholds where Satan has set up his throne, and dispel the shadow he has cast athwart the pathway of those whom he is seeking to deceive and destroy. We have the assurance, ‘The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much’ James 5:16.” In Heavenly Places, p. 93

JUST WHAT MEMBERS NEED

“Solicit prayer for the souls for whom you labor; present them before the church as subjects for their supplication. It will be just what the members of the church need, to have their minds called from their petty difficulties, to feel a great burden, a personal interest, for a soul that is ready to perish. Select an­other and still another soul, daily seeking guidance from God, laying everything before Him in earnest prayer, and working in divine wisdom. As you do this, God will give you the Holy Spirit to convict and convert the soul.” Testimonies to the Church, Vol. 6, pp. 80-81

“Why do not believers feel a deeper, more earnest concern for those who are out of Christ? Why do not two or three meet together and plead with God for the salvation of some special one, and then for still another?” Testimonies to the Church, Vol. 7, p. 21

MAKING PROGRESS

“We must be much in prayer if we would make progress in the divine life. When the message of truth was first proclaimed, how much we prayed. How often was the voice of intercession heard in the chamber, in the barn, in the orchard or the grove? Frequently we spent hours in earnest prayer, two or three together claiming the promise; often the sound of weeping was heard and then the voice of thanksgiving and the song of praise. Now the day of God is nearer than when we first believed, and we should be more earnest, more zealous, and fervent than in those early days. Our perils are greater now than then. Souls are more hardened. We need now to be imbued with the Spirit of Christ, and we should not rest until we receive it.” Testimonies to the Church, Vol. 5, pp. 161, 162

Our Savior follows His lessons of instruction with a promise that if two or three should be united in asking anything of God it should be given them. Christ here shows that there must be union with others, even in our desires for a given object. Great importance is attached to the united prayer, the union of purpose. God hears the prayers of indi­viduals, but on this occasion Jesus was giving es­pecial and important lessons that were to have a special bearing upon His newly organized church on the earth. There must be an agreement in the things which they desire and for which they pray. It was not merely the thoughts and exercises of one mind, liable to deception; but the petition was to be the earnest desire of several minds centered on the same point.” Testimonies to the Church, Vol. 3, p. 429

WHY NO MORE FAITH AND POWER?

“I asked the angel why there was no more faith and power in Israel. He said, ‘Ye let go of the arm of the Lord too soon. Press your petitions to the throne, and hold on by strong faith.’” Early Writings, p. 73

WITH YOUR BIBLE

“There are many who long to help others, but they feel that they have no spiritual strength or light to impart. Let them present their petitions at the throne of grace. Plead for the Holy Spirit. God stands back of every promise He has made. With your Bible in your hands say, I have done as thou hast said. I present Thy promise, ‘Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.’” Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 147

EXPECT GREAT THINGS

“He longs to have you reach after Him by faith. He longs to have you expect great things from Him. He longs to give you understanding in temporal as well as in spiritual matters.” Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 146