I am more and more convinced that concerted, intercessory prayer is so needed for our present times. One does not need too much intelligence to see that the world has entered a turbulent and uncertain phase, whether it is global politics, upheavals in the global economy, or peace between and within countries, and among religions.
As someone who has been formed in the Charismatic Renewal with its emphasis on intercessory prayer, I’ve seen how the concerted, united prayer of a faith community can change things.
I have had the privilege of being part of an ecumenical community here in Singapore, comprising Catholics and Protestants praying together, with a vision of promoting Christian unity.
When I started working in my first job, this experience came in handy as some of us, Catholic and Protestant colleagues, felt we needed to pray together, as there were lots of unhappy incidents occurring in the company. These included office politics, favouritism, and even sexual harassment.
We would meet informally during Wednesday lunchtime in a store room in the office building to pray. Each of us took turns leading the prayer meeting. One had the option to share what one’s priest or pastor spoke about during Mass or church service the previous weekend, or a particular Bible verse or spiritual reading that struck one recently.
The meetings were egalitarian; we had the telephone operator praying and sharing together with company executives and supervisors, right up to the company consultant.
Everyone had a story to share, and everyone needed prayers, whether it was for an office situation or a need for healing. People shared openly, and some wept as they shared their struggles.
When we prayed regarding incidents that we felt were not handled correctly by top company executives, things changed and righted themselves.
In the midst of all this, other colleagues, who were not Christians, asked us for prayers, such as for their sick children. When we prayed, some of them got well.
I am sharing this because this experience has shown me the power of concerted, united prayer, prayer that is so needed during these turbulent times.
I am very reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” I am also reminded of Saint Paul’s words to the Thessalonians: “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17).
Even though it has been decades since I left this particular company, the memory of our unity and camaraderie will always remain with me, how we, Christians from different denominations, managed to pray together and love one another without attacking one another’s beliefs or practices. That can only be through the grace of God.
