Scripture illustrates that praying together is powerful.

The early Christians were devoted to praying together. And often, they saw God move in extraordinary ways as they prayed with one heart and mind.

Following Jesus’s ascension into heaven, the disciples returned to the upper room in Jerusalem where they, “… often met together and prayed with a single purpose in mind …” (Acts 1:14 CEV). As they continued in this habit of praying together, united in their purpose, God moved. On the day of Pentecost, as they gathered once again to worship and pray, they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

After Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, the church grew rapidly. They enjoyed close fellowship with one another and, “broke bread and prayed together” (Acts 2:42b CEV). And God moved again. In response to their singleness of purpose and steadfastness in prayer, they were empowered to perform many miracles and wonders. And they continued to see incredible church growth as, every day, people were being saved.

For the early church, praying together preceded many of God’s mighty works. And we believe that praying together is just as powerful today as it was in the early church.

When we pray together in unity, we invite the power and presence of God. Today, if we want to see God do extraordinary things in our lives, our communities, and nations around the world, we must unite our hearts and minds to pray together just as the early church did. For Scripture reminds us, “For where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them” (Matthew 18:20 GNT).

Praying Together on World Day of Prayer

World Day of Prayer is celebrated on the first Friday of March each year. This global prayer movement began in 1897 when women from six denominations started a united day of prayer for home missions. Eventually, the circle of prayer grew and World Day of Prayer was birthed in 1927.

This World Day of Prayer, we invite you to experience the power of praying together. Join us as we devote ourselves to praying for God to move powerfully in the lives of people around the world. Here are 5 ways you can pray:

Lord, transform lives through your Word.

Father, we pray that people and communities around the world will be transformed by the life-changing message of the Bible. May the words of Scripture penetrate their hearts and minds transforming the way they think, raise their families, and interact with others in society. We pray that your Word will transform all people into the likeness of Jesus Christ. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 GNT

Lord, reach the unreached through your Word.

Father, we pray for millions of people who have yet to hear the gospel of your Son Jesus. We pray that your Word will reach them through Bible translation and Bible distribution efforts and that they will accept the invitation to follow you. Grant wisdom, favor, and grace to Bible agencies, churches, and ministries committed to eradicating Bible poverty. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

How can people have faith in the Lord and ask him to save them, if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear, unless someone tells them?

Romans 10:14 CEV

Lord, heal those carrying the wounds of trauma, through your Word.

Father, we pray for people trapped in trauma and who feel broken, isolated, and crushed by the pain they have endured. We pray that they will encounter your healing and restoration in the pages of Scripture. We also pray that through the Trauma Healing Ministry­—which combines God’s Word and mental health best practices—people around the world will begin their journey of healing and find hope in Jesus Christ. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

The LORD is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope.

Psalm 34:18 GNT

Lord, comfort those facing crisis, through your Word.

Father, we pray for those suffering the effects of natural disasters, acts of terrorism, violence, poverty, political conflicts, illness and disease, and other events. We ask you to comfort them as they face crisis and tragedy. May they be strengthened through your Word and may you grant them peace. We also pray for your solutions to the difficult situations they face. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

God is our shelter and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken
and mountains fall into the ocean depths;
even if the seas roar and rage,
and the hills are shaken by the violence.

Psalm 46:1-3 GNT

Lord, reach future generations in our nation, through your Word.

Father, we pray for future generations in America and nations around the world. We pray that they will meaningfully connect with your Word, engaging it as a way of life and actively living out their faith in community. We pray that the identity, purpose, and fulfillment they seek will be found in the pages of Scripture. We also pray that the latest State of the Bible research will help church and ministry leaders develop creative and engaging strategies that support faith formation. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

These are things we learned
from our ancestors,
and we will tell them
to the next generation.
We won’t keep secret
the glorious deeds
and the mighty miracles
of the LORD.

Psalm 78:3-4 CEV