Agreement

Scripture: Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” 1 Samuel 1:17

Observation: ... where two or more are gathered in his name ...

Hannah's prayer was answered when Eli joined her in that prayer. It didn't take some huge 'amen' from a congregation, but it also couldn't be something held in silence either. God heard Hannah all along, every year when she prayed for a son, so why did he choose this moment to answer. I do not believe it is an absolute requirement that multiple people pray to be heard, so instead I think there are several reasons why God acts this way.

1) Prayer brings God glory when the prayer is witnessed in advance so the results can be observed by others.

2) Our faith is exercised when we have to pronounce our hope to others and thus let them know that we are relying on God.

3) Believers are better supported by one another when they share burdens, which occurs through shared prayer.

Application: One of the reasons I feel so desperately alone is that I never share my prayers with anyone. I don't even tell my wife what I am praying for. She knows little about my fears, hopes, needs, insights, anger, etc. And if I am to believe my own observations, I am the person getting hurt when I don't share. My faith becomes less tangible, I do not receive support, and the results do not bring glory to God and thus diminish the potential impact on lives around me.

And I don't know what to do about this. I mean ... I know I can tell someone about my prayers. However, the real issue is that I don't really feel like I have someone I could tell, especially here at work.

Prayer: Lord, I am angry and alone. I need agreement. I need someone with whom I can share my hurt and frustration and hope, and be supported in this plight. Please.