Greetings Pastor Barry,

Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. I appreciate your emphasis on the power of prayer, both individually and within the community. The verse you referenced from Psalm 34:17-18 — “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” — is a beautiful reminder that God is attentive to our cries and present with us in our pain. It’s such a comforting thought to know that in our weakest moments, He is near, listening and ready to deliver us.

Another verse that complements this sentiment is “I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). Jesus not only promises His presence in the gathering of believers, but He invites us into a deep friendship with Him, where prayer becomes an open line of communication with our Savior. In community, this relationship with Christ becomes even more powerful as we share in each other's burdens and joys.

As you rightly pointed out, prayer in community does more than just bring us closer to God—it also strengthens the body of Christ. When we gather in prayer, we share in each other’s experiences and offer encouragement that fosters growth and unity. It’s through these shared moments that we grow in compassion, understanding, and love. The power of prayer, especially when united, helps transform us individually and as a collective body.

How has prayer impacted your life or the lives of those around you? What role does community play in your prayer life? I would love to hear how others have seen their relationships with God deepen through communal prayer. For me, I’ve seen the transformative power of collective prayer in times of hardship—where the presence of the body of Christ not only supports but strengthens the heart.

What are some of the ways you’ve experienced or witnessed prayer drawing people closer together?

God be with you,
Pastor Luke