“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” – Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV)
Have you ever been in a meeting where the speaker finishes and the room falls silent until one person starts clapping? Suddenly, everyone else joins in, and the room fills with applause. The action of one sparks the response of many.
That’s the transformative power of community in church. It’s like being in a room where one person’s deep fervour in prayer or praise stirs your heart to focus on God. Even if you didn’t feel like praying that day, your neighbour’s passion ignites a spark in you. We see that the power of community inspires us to press deeper, regardless of our feelings.
As a believer, our community matters. There will be days when you don’t feel like praying or worshipping, but fellowship keeps us aligned. Sometimes, you may think you can only pray for ten minutes, yet in a gathering, you find yourself praying for an hour without even noticing. Community stretches you, fuels you, and helps you grow.
Jesus modelled this beautifully. Though he often prayed alone, he also valued corporate prayer. In His most vulnerable moment in the Garden of Gethsemane, He asked His disciple to pray with Him (Matthew 26:40 NKJV). His desire has always been for a united family that strengthens one another in prayer (Luke 22:32 NKJV). Similarly, Paul wrote his letters to churches, not just individuals, reinforcing God’s design for collective growth.
And just as others can stir you up, you are called to stir others, too. You may have grown from thirty minutes of prayer to an hour, while someone beside you may still be at fifteen minutes. Your fire can ignite theirs. In the body of Christ, you are not only a receiver but also a supplier, a channel of strength and encouragement to others. Your role is integral to the body of Christ.
Dear believer, never underestimate the power of a Christ-centred community. In prayer, we are sharpened, strengthened, and built up together. Remember, iron sharpens iron.
Bible Reading Plan: Isaiah 53–55; Colossians 3:1–17