Pray with Others

I’m sure many of us recognize the power of prayer and the profound effects it can have on our lives. Thoughtful, intentional prayer can calm us, bring us peace, and prepare us for whatever lies ahead.

Prayer is one of the most powerful tools God has given us—not only as a means of communication with Him but also as a way to center ourselves. I’ve been praying since I was a child, but it wasn’t until recently that I discovered the power of praying with others.

Many of us have heard the verse Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.” But how often do we truly live this out? How often do we gather with others to pray? Until last year, I hadn’t. Then, about eight months ago, my friend Isaiah asked if I’d like to start praying with him in the mornings.

Initially, the idea felt foreign to me. I’d prayed with others during meals or in church, but praying with a friend over the phone was something entirely new. Fortunately, I said yes. Isaiah and I started the habit of praying together each morning.

Praying with someone else brought a refreshing change from my lifelong routine of solo prayers. Over time, I had fallen into repetitive habits, saying the same things or letting my mind wander. While habits can be helpful, I realized that when my prayers became rote, I was no longer truly engaging with God. It felt more like delivering a monologue to myself than having a conversation with Him.

Praying with Isaiah disrupted those patterns and introduced me to a whole new dimension of prayer. Everyone prays differently, and through our sessions, I learned new styles, rhythms, and topics to bring into my own prayers. We also brought up issues the other hadn’t thought of, giving us both fresh material to pray about and opportunities to pray for each other.

I found that praying for someone feels far more meaningful and passionate when done alongside them rather than alone.

Another benefit of praying with someone is accountability. It’s much harder to skip prayer when you know someone is waiting on you. This accountability has been invaluable for me, especially in the midst of life’s busyness.

A couple of months ago, I also began praying with my girlfriend. This has been one of the most meaningful aspects of our relationship, helping us to connect on a deeper level. When you pray with someone, you gain insight into what’s weighing on their heart and what they’re grateful for. It’s a chance to lift them up in prayer while sharing your own joys and struggles.

Praying with someone can be a deeply emotional and transformative experience. It requires vulnerability and trust, which strengthens relationships and fosters intimacy.

Now that I’ve experienced the beauty and power of praying intimately with others, I can’t imagine going back to praying alone all the time. It’s such a meaningful way to build relationships, stay disciplined, and grow closer to God. If you’re looking to enrich your prayer life, I encourage you to start praying with others. You won’t regret it.

Good luck.