“Units of prayer combined, like drops of water, make an ocean which defies resistance!” writes 19th-century devotional writer E.M. Bounds. Indeed, revival history abounds with astounding testimonies of the power of corporate prayer to bring the dynamic and redeeming presence of God into our world.

Few people in the Church would dispute the fact that corporate prayer has played a powerful role in the history of the Church and even nations. The first and most notable instance is the extraordinary outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the 120 gathered in the upper room on the day of Pentecost 2,000 years ago.

This historical gathering was not a new idea but built on a long—standing tradition. Under the old covenant, God’s people were instructed to come together for prayer, to stand together as one and appeal to the God who gave them identity as a people.

Times of national crisis, when the nation was under threats of invasions and when divine rescue was desperately needed—times of celebration and of covenant renewal all brought God’s people together in prayer with one voice.

Under the new covenant, gathering together for prayer gave identity to the emerging Church as God’s Spirit formed His people into one body. The newly formed Church came together to pray for the release of God’s servants from prison; they assembled to ask God to grant them power for effective ministry in a resistant society; they gathered to pray for the appointment of leadership and for the sending of missionaries.

The weekly gathering of the saints always included corporate prayer. To them, praying together was a vital part of worship. Gathering together for prayer was the first response of the Church following the ascension of Jesus. From the moment the disciples were without the physical presence of Jesus they assembled for prayer, a practice that continued from that day forward.

It is also remarkable to note that in the New Testament, prayer is highlighted more often than any other activity of the gathered Church. Is it any wonder that despite unimaginable persecution and growing opposition the Church of Christ grew and had profound impact on the surrounding world?

Missions promoter and interpreter A.T. Pierson said a century ago that every great awakening began in a “union of prayer.” Like in the Book of Acts, says Pierson, corporate prayer and the impact of God’s Word upon people “are in direct proportion.”

Prayer, individual and corporate, is that definite and principal act of faith that ties together God and humanity.

To understand the purpose of corporate prayer is to recognize the presence of the mystical body of Christ on Earth, the spiritual fellowship of the saints and the need for the Church to express solidarity with the suffering members of this sacred body throughout the world.

It is also to recognize the need for the Church corporate to enter into its role of intercessor, as one body, with one voice, on behalf of a nation and its people. It is fitting for this body to express its utter dependence on—and love for—thesovereign God with a united voice ofagreement.

The corporate prayer gathering of the Church is not just one more meeting to attend. It is during these times we are reminded we are not alone and can find a concrete way to resist the temptation of private religion and selfism.

As I read through the pages of revival history, I can’t help but wonder and even imagine what great things the Lord would do in His Church and in society if His people were to gather together regularly for corporate prayer.

May we never hesitate to gather with brothers and sisters in Christ to pray and worship God with one voice. It is an appropriate response to the Lord’s invitation to call upon Him to touch our world with mercy, grace andcompassion.

Jacqueline Dugas is director of ministries for Every Home for Christ International/Canada.