It's good to have friends - people who have your back, who understand your heart, who will stand in the gap with you in prayer.

One of the most beautiful gifts that we can give one another as followers of Christ is to intercede for each other. The word intercede is defined as "intervening on behalf of another." So in spiritual terms, this means that we can approach the throne of God on behalf of a friend. We can beg for His power and grace to be revealed in a friend's life. But intercession doesn't always have to be a solo act. In fact, I believe it is most effective when it happens in the context of a group.

Matthew 18:19-20 (NIV) says, "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

Imagine what would happen if we truly began to believe in the power of collective and unified prayers. What would happen if we stopped talking so much to each other and started talking more to God? What if our first instinct was to drop to our knees, to grab hands, and to pray with people in the exact moment when they share a prayer need?

In a world where unity is a rarity, we have an opportunity as followers of Christ to present a unified front in prayer. This blesses the heart of God to the point that He guarantees His very presence there to relish it. So if you feel alone today...if your heart is breaking...grab a friend and get on your knees. Claim and experience the promise, "For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them."

Making It Personal:

• How often do you pray for the needs that others have shared with you?
• How can you develop your prayer life to include a consistent time of intercession?
• Who can/will you join with today to present your needs to the Father?