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The Bible contains thousands of promises from God, each offering hope and assurance to Christians. Among these, the 12 promises in this series are especially significant because they strengthen the faith of believers and serve as powerful tools for evangelism. By understanding and sharing these promises, believers can effectively communicate the depth of God’s love, His offer of salvation, and the hope of eternal life to those who do not yet know Him. These promises are foundational truths that every believer can use to guide others toward faith in Christ.
Matthew 18:19 – Answered Prayer
(Mat 18:19) Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
Introduction: Prayer is a powerful tool in the life of a believer. It is our direct line of communication with God; through it, we present our needs, desires, and concerns to Him. Matthew 18:19 contains a remarkable promise from Jesus about the power of united prayer. This verse reminds us that when we come together in agreement, our prayers can move the heart of God in ways we might never imagine.
What Does Matthew 18:19 Promise?
In Matthew 18:19, Jesus says, “Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” This promise is astounding. It implies that when two or more believers come together in unity, agreeing on a specific request, God listens and acts. The emphasis here is on unity and agreement in prayer. It is not merely about asking but about agreeing together in faith, trusting that God hears and will respond according to His will.
The Power of Agreement in Prayer
An agreement is when more than two people say the same words. It involves a deep, mutual understanding and a shared faith in God’s ability to answer. When believers agree in prayer, they align their hearts with God’s will, and their prayers reflect that alignment. This unity is powerful because it is rooted in the assurance that God’s will is good, pleasing, and perfect (Romans 12:2).
Unity in prayer also strengthens the faith of those involved. When we pray together, we remind each other of God’s promises, encourage one another, and build each other’s faith. This collective faith is a powerful force capable of bringing about what we are praying for. It’s no wonder Jesus emphasized the importance of agreement in prayer.
Trusting God for the Answer
While Matthew 18:19 assures us that God will answer, it’s important to remember that His answers are always in accordance with His will. Sometimes, God’s answer might be immediate and clear; other times, it might be delayed or come in a way we did not expect. This is where trust comes in. We must trust that God’s timing and methods are perfect, even when they don’t align with our expectations.
Trusting God in prayer means relinquishing control and allowing Him to work in His way and time. It means believing that He knows what is best for us and that His answers, whether yes, no, or wait, are ultimately for our good. The promise of Matthew 18:19 should encourage us to pray with confidence, knowing that God hears and that His response is always rooted in His love for us.
A Note on the Promises of God
It’s important to note that the Bible contains thousands of promises from God—over 7,000 by some estimates. These promises cover every aspect of life and are essential to the faith of believers. This series will focus on just 12 promises, each representing a different aspect of God’s covenant with His people. These are not the only promises in Scripture but are chosen to inspire and encourage you in your walk with God.
Conclusion: The promise of answered prayer in Matthew 18:19 powerfully reminds us of the importance of unity and agreement in our spiritual lives. When we come together in faith, our prayers can move mountains because they align with God’s will. Let this promise inspire you to pray with others, trusting that God will answer in His perfect way and time.
Reflections/Discovery Questions:
- Observation: What does Matthew 18:19 say about the conditions for answered prayer?
- Interpretation: Why do you think Jesus emphasized the importance of agreement in prayer? How does this agreement affect the outcome of our prayers?
- Application: How can you apply the principle of agreement in prayer in your own life? Who can you partner with in prayer this week to seek God’s will together?
- Reflection: Think of a time when you prayed in agreement with others. How did that experience affect your faith and the outcome of your prayer?
Short Prayer for Personal Application:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise that when we agree, You hear and answer our prayers. Help me to seek out others with whom I can unite in prayer, trusting in Your will and timing. Strengthen my faith as I rely on Your promises, and guide me to align my desires with Your perfect plan. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
