The Assembly Prayers

by Kelly, P. | Category: For Young Believers | Oct 1955

The assembly prayers are an important and integral part of the functions of a church of God (Acts 2.42). In the service of the Tabernacle we see that the incense, which would speak of communion or prayer, is closely associated with prayer and worship. The fire was taken from the altar to burn the incense as Aaron went into the Sanctuary (Leviticus 16.12, 13).

We may perhaps choose, when considering attendance at the assembly gatherings, to be present at the Bible reading or Ministry meeting rather than at a prayer meeting. Such reasoning is not good, for an assembly cannot function properly and will never prosper without "the prayers." We must always keep in mind the fact that "the prayers" are very closely associated with the House of God (see 1 Timothy 2.1, 2, 14, 15) and that they rise to God in the heavenly sanctuary. The Throne of Grace is in heaven. In Revelation 5. John saw the four living creatures and the four and twenty elders round about the throne, each with a harp and golden bowls full of incense which are the prayers of the saints. In chapter 8. John saw an angel with the censer, adding incense to the prayers of the saints and casting fire of the altar on the earth. We note what happens: thunders, and voices, and lightnings, and an earthquake. We can surely say that prayer changes things and that if we take advantage of the resources of mercy and grace at the throne of grace great and wonderful things will be the result.

"Thatpower is prayer which soars on high

Through Jesus on the throne,

And moves the hand that moves the world,

To bring deliverance down."

In the New Testament we do not see that which would answer to our Bible readings to-day, although the saints must have met for discourse and to consider the letters that were sent by the apostles, but we do read of several occasions when they were gathered together for prayer. One case in particular is recorded in Acts 12. There we read that while Peter was in prison, the saints were in the house of Mary the mother of John, praying (and it is most certain that they would be praying for Peter), when suddenly he knocked on the door, having been wonderfully delivered out of the prison. This would suggest a clear answer to collective prayer.

Peter in his first epistle (4.7-11) speaks of the actions of a together people and in verse 7 we are exhorted to be sober unto "prayer." The Revised Margin quotes "prayers," meaning public prayers. As the brother who takes part is praying on behalf of the assembly, those who listen should give assent to the prayers with an audible Amen. In this practical way sisters can share in the assembly prayers. Much could be written on matters for prayer, of which there is no lack in these dark days, but the powers that be should have a prominent place in our assembly prayers. In 1 Timothy 2.1-4, we are exhorted to pray earnestly for these.

As we see how important a place the collective prayers have in God's House we feel that we cannot pray effectively in public unless we have had the experience of praying or striving personally with God. Please read in this connexion Matthew 6.5, 6. Here we are told by the Master Himself to go into our inner chamber and shut the door. Beloved young disciples, we should cultivate this experience of getting alone with God, getting into the secret of His presence, shutting the world and all else out of our minds and praying in secret. In these verses we are assured that our Father who seeth in secret and knoweth the secrets of our hearts shall recompense and answer us. Then as we have the blessing of answered prayer according to His will, we live in confidence, knowing that He careth for us.

Having then proved God in our own individual lives we shall be able to come to the assembly prayer meetings, with courage, able to pray intelligently, to which prayers all the saints should be able to

say, Amen.

Kelly, P. | Oct 1955
For Young Believers