Prayer and Community
Close community enhances our experience of prayer.Paul was coaching the Corinthian congregation in the art of giving to others. He had asked them to take up a collection for the church in Jerusalem whose members were going through a tough time due to a severe famine. As it turned out, the Corinthians were eager to help and had pledged to give generously. (There are, however, subtle hints in the text that their initial enthusiasm had waned and Paul had to cajole them a little when the time came to turn words into action!!)
While making arrangements for their donation to be collected, Paul observed that their generosity would build a bridge of fellowship and that this sense of fellowship would deepen their prayers. He indicated that the church in Jerusalem, having experienced such generosity would have "their hearts go out" to the Corinthians in prayer and that they would recognise God's grace working in them.
This, in turn, would remind them of the "indescribable gift" of God's Son.
So, generosity and community enhances a sense of connection and prayer. I know what a comfort it is be prayed for by people who know me well. I also know how I am propelled into prayer when people I know are going through a difficult time. When we experience this kind of generosity and grace in community and in prayer for one another, it reminds us of God's gift of His Son.
| And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2Corinthians9:14-15) |
