Posted by Matthew 18:19-20
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
God is Present in the Church
The context of this passage describing the power of agreement, is Jesus teaching about the God given authority of Church discipline. Church leaders are to carefully and gently administer correction bathed in the heartfelt prayer of agreement. The is no limit to the Spiritual power of the local church, when all are united in prayer under God’s watchful eye.
Whenever Leaders are unified behind God’s order within the Church, His promise of restoration for all is the happy outcome: To “agree” is (sumphoneo) in the original, which means “to agree,” and to “be in alliance with.” The Church is always to be in agreement and in alliance with God and His purpose when prayer is offered. This unity in keeping order in the Church absolutely shuts the devil out, allowing God’s mercy and grace to flow like a river upon all who stand together.
God is Actively Present When We Agree Together
The same principle of agreeing together in prayer, operative in Church discipline applies to all other settings and types of prayer as well. The power of agreeing together in prayer could never be overstated. The old saying that “two heads are better than one” is especially true when God’s people are praying together. Jesus makes this all the more true by adding the factor of his Presence in the midst of those who are gathered together in his name for his purpose. Having Jesus present in the midst of two or three agreeing together in prayer, verifies His deity, because only God is omnipresent.
It’s been said that rabbis would teach: “If two are agreed and speak the words of the Torah, the Shekinah (the glory of God, His presence) is in their midst” -(Strack-Billerbeck, Kommentar zum Neuen Testament, 1:794). Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of that statement when we are together speaking God’s Word; another reason for us to always be speaking the same things, especially together in prayer.
God’s Invincible Power Released in Agreement
Ecclesiastes 4:12 demonstrates the power of agreement stating: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” If two or three are not easily overpowered, then in alliance together with God, defeat is impossible! Answered prayer becomes a predictable result when “two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” The devil himself cannot prevent the answers from being granted when the Church stands together with God.
The Church being equipped with a working knowledge of God’s Word wields great power when agreeing together in prayer. Jesus said that whatever we ask, agreeing on it together the Father will grant it. God’s promises are the fuel that fires prayer. Think of sitting around a camp fire together with friends at prayer, praying the promises would be like throwing another piece of wood on the fire keeping it burning hotter with each piece (the promises).
The Enemy is Always Outnumbered and Overpowered in Agreement
Praying God’s Word in agreement together with His Presence among us outnumbers all opposition and overpowers all the obstacles of darkness. We can bind and loose anything God desires. The odds for victory change dramatically in our favor when we agree together in God’s Presence.
Consider Leviticus 26:7-8 “You will pursue your enemies, and they will fall by the sword before you. Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you.”
Notice that this passage says “you will pursue your enemies.” We are always on the offensive taking the battle to the enemy in prayer. Just resisting the devil causes him to flee, imagine the Church actively engaged in driving him off together. Whenever we stand together speaking and praying the same things according to God’s Word we are pushing back the darkness.
So, get in the habit of praying together with like minded believers. Speak the Word when you’re together; agree in prayer together, resist the devil together, Praise God for His Presence there with you, and Be Encouraged! -JSP