A Praying Church: Why We Long for It but Avoid Prayer Meetings

Dear Church Family,

Almost every Christian would agree that prayer is essential to the life of the church. We want our pastors and leaders to pray. We expect prayer to be central in worship services and vital in decision-making. Many of us would even say we long to be part of a praying church—one where members regularly seek God together with dependence on Him.

Yet, often there’s an interesting contradiction: while we value prayer in theory, many of us shy away from attending prayer meetings in practice. Church calendars often include prayer gatherings, but these meetings are often the least attended events. Why is this? How do we reconcile our deep desire for a praying church with our reluctance to participate in corporate prayer?

This is something to think about. Let’s explore what Scripture teaches about corporate prayer, the obstacles that keep us from engaging, and why corporate prayer is vital for the life and mission of the church.

1. The Biblical Call to Pray Together

From the earliest days of the church, prayer was central to its identity and mission. In Acts 2:42, we read that the early believers:

“Devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

This devotion to prayer wasn’t just private—it was corporate. The believers prayed together in homes, in the temple courts, and in the upper room. They sought God’s guidance, confessed sin, and interceded for one another.

Consider these examples:

• The Psalms: Often called the hymnbook of the Bible, are one of the clearest examples of God’s people coming together in prayer and praise. Many of the Psalms were written not just for private devotion but for public worship, where the people of God lifted their voices together in prayerful song.
  
  The Early Church in Acts 4:23-31: When Peter and John were released from prison, the church gathered to pray for boldness, and God answered by shaking the place and filling them with the Spirit.

• The Church Praying for Peter in Acts 12:5-17: When Peter was imprisoned, the church gathered to pray earnestly, and God miraculously delivered him.

Corporate prayer is not optional—it is an essential part of how the church seeks God and grows in faith.

2. Why We Long for a Praying Church

Why do so many of us desire to belong to a praying church? The answer is simple: we recognize that prayer is the lifeblood of a healthy church.

• Prayer Aligns Us with God’s Will: Through prayer, we submit our plans, desires, and struggles to God, asking Him to lead us.

• Prayer Demonstrates Our Dependence On God: A praying church recognizes that apart from God, we can do nothing (John 15:5).

• Prayer Invites God’s Power: Scripture repeatedly shows that God works powerfully in response to the prayers of His people (James 5:16).

• Prayer Builds Unity: Praying together fosters love, humility, and a shared focus on Christ.

We long for a praying church because we know that without prayer, the church cannot thrive spiritually or accomplish its mission. As Spurgeon once said:

“The condition of the church may be very accurately gauged by its prayer meetings. So is the prayer meeting a grace-ometer, and from it we may judge of the amount of divine working among a people. If God be near a church, it must pray. And if He be not there, one of the first tokens of His absence will be slothfulness in prayer.”

If this is true, why do we neglect going prayer meetings?

3. Why Don’t We Show Up to Prayer Meetings?

There are several reasons why many of us avoid corporate prayer, even if we know its value:

1. We Feel Intimidated or Inadequate

Many avoid prayer meetings because they’re uncomfortable praying out loud. We worry about saying the “wrong things” or being judged for how we pray. But Scripture reminds us that prayer is not about eloquence—it’s about humility and dependence on God (Luke 18:9-14).

2. We Don’t See Immediate Results

Prayer requires faith and patience. Sometimes, we avoid prayer because we don’t believe it will make a difference.

3. We Prioritize Other Things

Our schedules are often packed with work, family, and leisure activities. Sadly, prayer meetings are often the first thing to be cut from our priorities.

4. We Misunderstand the Purpose of Corporate Prayer

Some may wonder, “Why can’t I just pray on my own?” While personal prayer is essential, Scripture shows that corporate prayer has a unique purpose and power. 

5. We Lack a Sense of Urgency

Perhaps the biggest reason we neglect prayer meetings is that we don’t feel the pressing need for prayer. But the early church didn’t wait for trouble to pray—they gathered consistently, knowing they needed God’s guidance and power every day (Acts 2:42).

4. Why Prayer Meetings Matter

So why should we make corporate prayer a priority? Here are three reasons:

1. They Unite the Church in Worship and Mission

When we pray together, we align our hearts with God’s purposes and with one another. Corporate prayer strengthens unity and reminds us that we are a family on mission together.

2. They Demonstrate Dependence on God

Attending a prayer meeting is a powerful declaration that we trust God to work in our lives, our church, and our world. It acknowledges that we cannot accomplish anything without Him (John 15:5).

3. They Invite God’s Blessing

God has promised to work powerfully when His people gather to pray. Acts 4:31 shows us that when the early church prayed, they were filled with boldness and the Holy Spirit. Imagine what God might do in and through our church if we committed to praying together regularly!

5. How Can We Renew Our Commitment to Prayer Meetings?

If you’ve been hesitant to attend prayer meetings, consider these practical steps:

1. Start Small: You don’t have to pray aloud if you’re not ready. Simply showing up and praying silently is a step of faith.

2. Pray for the Desire to Pray: Ask God to give you a heart that longs to seek Him with His people.

3. Make It a Priority: Block out time for prayer meetings in your calendar and treat it as an essential commitment.

4. Encourage Others to Join You: Invite a friend, neighbor, or family member to attend with you. Corporate prayer is strengthened when more voices join together.

5. Reflect on God’s Faithfulness: Remember how God has answered prayers in the past and trust Him to continue working.

Closing Encouragement:

A praying church is a powerful church. While it’s easy to affirm the importance of prayer, we must also commit to being part of it. Prayer meetings are not just another church event—they are the engine of the church’s mission, the heart of its worship, and a means of God’s blessing.

Imagine the transformation we might see—in our lives, our church, and our community—if we truly devoted ourselves to prayer. Let’s not just long for a praying church; let’s become one.

To Him be the glory forever!

- Pastor Tony