Biblical Theology of Corporate Prayer

With Practical Implications

Need

• To understand and articulate the value of corporate prayer within the community of believers
• Be instructed by and reminded of the content and practice of corporate prayer
• Gain insight (illumination) and motivation for corporate prayer 

Solution:  Study and summarize what the Bible says about prayer within the corporate context with respect to the Bible’s overarching Heilsgeschichte ‘for His glory and our good’ (E. Sauer, Dawn of World Redemption/The Triumph of the Crucified)

A.  Corporate prayer in the Old Testament is introduced within a context of associated instruction for the original audience and future Jewish generations

• OT patriarchs illustrate through their prayer-like encounters with God that He chooses and uses human mediators/intercessors to lead others to Him.   illust. Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses.
• Corporate prayer/songs were instructional by acknowledging theologically significant events (Ex.15:1, 20) giving form to how to draw near to God, and demonstrating submission to (Ex.15:26) and magnification of The Almighty.  (Ex.16)
• It is a perilous, humbling endeavor for leaders to assert themselves before people and announce they are appointed by and representing God.  (Ex.17 3, 5-7; 19:3-6)
• Intercessory public prayer is labor-intensive and requires the support of others in intercession (Ex.17:11-16)
• Intercessory, corporate prayer requires intimate, personal communication between the leader and God; is instructive and articulates clear outlines for how others may participate (Ex.19:3-6 elders; 19:16-25 all people; 19:10-13)
• Various other OT passages are highly applicable for leading and participating in corporate prayer:  context of renewal, repentance, decision-making, celebration and praise.

B.  Corporate prayer in the Old Testament is detailed for the purpose of formal instruction and enduring designs to know and draw near to The Almighty

• Some prayer/songs were written for the purpose of being repeatedly taught, memorized, and sung.  Ex 15; 
• As inspired prayer-songs, some Psalms were intended to be memorized and corporately repeated in aspects of content and form. Psalm 120-134, 44  cf. songs of ascent;  first person plural ‘we have heard…’.  See also the instructive repetitions in Ps.124:1-2; 126:2-3; 129:1-2
• Within the Prophetic Books, God instructs Israel in matters of corporate prayer.  Isaiah instructs hearers and future readers about prayers to which God ‘attends’ and prayers which He ignores. Isaiah 1:15, 64:4, 66:2
• The content of corporate prayer ought be informed by and composed with the narrative of biblical history rightly exposited.  Neh 9:1-38; 
• Corporate prayers may involve dynamic confessions of sin begun by a spiritual leader, recognized (approved?) and influencing other leaders, extending over many days, effecting the lifestyles of many people  Ezra 10
• The public and private lives of Ezra and Nehemiah highlight the role of spiritual leaders to lead by example in submitting themselves to know and live in obedience to the Word of God (Neh. 1; Ezra 7:10) and to lead spiritual reforms through use of the Word as the authoritative rule for living and worshiping God (e.g. in corporate prayer gatherings) 

C. Corporate prayer in the New Testament is acknowledged, informed, and commanded by the Son of God and the inspired New Testament authors.

• Jesus, as Messiah/King and son of Man, taught the acceptable manner and formal/non-formal ingredients for corporate prayer   Matt. 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4
• Corporate prayer included formal and non-formal prayers.  Cf. repetition of Psalms and spontaneous prayers.  Matt. 6; 26:36-46; John 17; 
• Corporate prayer is always based upon and for reminding about the knowledge of God and His Truth. John 4:24, 8:32; 1 Jn 5:13-17, Acts 1:16-19, 20; 
• Corporate prayer has various components and identifiers:  praying for others’ needs Matt.19:13, Ro. 15:30-32, praying for awareness of and opportunities for open evangelistic doors Col. 4:1, 5;  praying for believers to know God’s will and spiritually grow  Eph.1:15-19; Col.1:3, 9-14; praying before big decisions Lk 6:12; Acts 1:14.  Praying before choosing new leaders 1:14, 24, 13:1-3
• Corporate prayer is a necessary response when fellow believers are faced with mounting persecution  Acts 12:12-17
• It is incumbent upon the local assembly to corporately pray for leaders in authority 1 Tim.2:1-2, 8
• The Church is constantly well-served to be reminded about the proper practices and attitudes identifiable in corporate worship and prayer gatherings.  E.g. mutually respectful and edifying, humility, orderliness, self-effacing, contentious,     1 Cor.11-14. 
• Corporately praying for specific decisions was accompanied by unbiased criteria for determining God’s answer   Acts 1:26; 

Summary:

• The burden of Scriptural proof for corporate prayer and its practice show clear biblical structure, common recitations of historical and biblical theology, recitation of Scripture, intercessory mediation for believers in need, intercession for new leaders, and mediation for the Gospel to flourish within society
• Common elements in OT & NT corporate prayer usually include the following: 
• Recitation of God’s perfections and/ or His promises
• Acknowledgement of personal and corporate sin 
• Request that God will faithfully act again in present circumstances in accordance with His Nature and for the sake of His Name for the good of His People.  
• Corporate prayer affirms covenant mediation by Christ and with His called-out-ones. Ro.8:34; 32; Matt.18:19

Applications:

1. We are well served to earnestly join with other believers in corporate prayer
2. In corporate prayer we ought prepare, participate, and expect in faith to be built up in the knowledge of God, drawn closer to Him, celebrate His Works, giving glory to Him.
3. Through corporate prayer, if properly lead, we become surrounded with reliable guards which hold at bay our impetuous, selfish distracted hearts.  
4. Through corporate prayer we each make a statement about unity in The Faith
5. Through corporate prayer we patiently and boldly await His answers to requests.  

Additional References