What does "gathered" mean in Matthew 18:20?
Do increased numbers make prayer more powerful? (Mt 18:19-20) 19 Again I say unto you, That 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. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
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Asked February 13 2021
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Jack Gutknecht
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Tim Maas
I would say that the prayer of an individual has the same "power" or weight in God's eyes as the prayer of a group. (I think that Jesus indicated this in verses such as Matthew 6:6.) However, there are also beneficial aspects pertaining to individuals participating in group prayer that are specific to that setting, and that might contribute to group prayer being more effective or productive (with respect to our relationships with others) than individual prayer. Among those would be: -- greater fellowship and unity with other believers -- encouragement from others -- help from others in fufilling or achieving the things asked for in prayer -- mutual sharing and bearing of burdens -- humility (that is, the lessening of personal pride that one might feel if alone) -- greater joy in thanksgiving and witness to others for responses received to prayer
Jack Gutknecht
I am in agreement with Mr. Maas’ message, but I would also like to add other “beneficial aspects” as he called them. Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” The divine place of gathering is pointed out by the word, “where.” It a sublime fellowship of 2 or 3 that Jesus specified here by the term’s “two or three” and “together. I remember gathering at Scottsdale Bible Church on Saturday mornings for prayer as part of a College & Career group. Sometimes only 2 or 3 of us would be there praying outside. (It seemed like it was warm most of the year in Scottsdale, Arizona). But the fellowship was sweet. We Christians also have the divine authority given to us because Jesus Himself said to do it--do prayer, “in My name.” His presence is there: “there am I.” He is centered among us as He said, “in the midst of them.”
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