In the mid-1800’s many pioneers traveled west by Conestoga wagon. They would travel in a single line referred to as a wagon train. At night, the wagons would form a circle around their camp and livestock as a defense against attack. Today, circling the wagon is an idiom referring to a group of people who unite for a common purpose or to defend themselves against attack or criticism.
I’ve been doing a lot of circling the wagons lately. For me, that means uniting with others in prayer. Praying for others and asking others to pray for me and my family. The pioneers understood that they were stronger and better protected when joined together. The same is true for believers. Because every day that we profess the saving grace of Jesus Christ, we are under attack by an enemy who will stop at nothing to silence us.
The attacks aren’t always full-blown frontal assaults. In fact, I think they rarely are. Most times they come in small, targeted strikes. Strikes like doubt. Fear. Insecurity. Complacency. These are surprisingly effective. Because when we are on the receiving end of a full assault, we are keenly aware and take up the armor of God to defend against it. But those little strikes sneak in when we aren’t paying attention. They take hold and slowly start to unravel the fabric of our faith. You need only look at the state of the world to see how a slow trickle of deceit can carve a chasm of evil.
I have learned that the best offense and defense is the simplest. Pray. But not just singular prayer; that personal one-to-one chat with Jesus and God. But corporate prayer. Calling on our brothers and sisters in faith to circle the wagons around us and cover us in the blessing and protection of the blood of Jesus. And when we do that, miracles happen.
I was blessed to be at my Virginia church this past weekend. While I only get there maybe a dozen times a year, it always feels like a reunion when I see my Skyline family. Following the service this week, I asked the pastor and several friends to pray for me and my family. I have had something on my heart for several weeks and am praying for discernment whether it is of me or of God. I also have a family member who is seeking medical answers.
Without hesitation, they circled the wagons around me. As I stood in the center of a dozen friends, I joked that I felt ready to lead the hokey pokey! And then I felt the beautiful touch of hands on me as the prayers rose. I listened as God gave them words of knowledge and encouragement. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I felt the presence of Holy Spirit in that circle. I felt His energy. I felt His love. I felt His protection. And I felt renewed.
Matthew 18:19-20 tells us, “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
The word truly in Greek means “amen, the truth, a formula of solemn expression of certainty.”
The word agree in Greek is symphoneo from which we get our word symphony. It means “to match, fit in with, conspire.”
John is telling us that when we come together in agreement, in prayer, we are certain to be heard by our Father in Heaven. That doesn’t mean that if I asked to win the lottery and everyone agreed, God would guarantee that windfall. Rather, it is when we come into agreement for the will of God in the life of a believer that we know for certain God will work and bless. I can rest assured that clarity will come for me and answers for my family member. I don’t know what that will look like, but I know that it will come. And I believe that it will come sooner through the power of united prayer.
Just like a symphony is a blending of different tones and instruments coming into harmony, when we pray together, we bring our individual gifts to the circle. Jesus doesn’t tell us to pray the same words as everyone else. Rather, to fill in the score with our complimentary notes. When we pray together, the blending of our praise and requests are music to our Father’s ears. He delights when his children unite in support of one another and in awe of Him.
As my friends circled the wagons around me on Sunday, God reinforced messages He’s delivered through others. He spoke personally to my heart through the love and obedience of those who lay hands on me. And He used their faith to protect my fragile heart and uncertain mind. Clarity will come. Healing will come. Answers will be received. In due time.
Prayer is powerful. It is powerful when we engage in it on our own. But that power is exponentially increased when just two of us come into agreement. God created us to be in relationship with one another. To be united for His purpose and glory.
Friends, I want to encourage you to find your prayer warriors. Reach out to believers around you when you are struggling and seeking answers. Let them minister to you through prayer. Let them intercede on your behalf.
Let them circle the wagons.