By Rev. Timothy McGarvey

Note: Jon Graf wrote the above article "How Much Prayer Is Enough" and it appeared in both the Prayer Leader Online (a publication for CPLN members) and the Alliance Prayer Leader Network newsletter. I received more responses to that piece than any previous article. We felt this issue would be a good one for pastors to think about. None of the responses were negative, but most were just pondering the same topic. One response came from a pastor friend of mine--Rev. Timothy McGarvey of Altoona, PA. My article caused Tim to think about his efforts to encourage more people to come together for prayer. He came up with 10 reasons--most of them beyond the obvious spiritual dynamics of praying together--that are benefits to churches that try to move people toward corporate prayer.

As to "why we tend to call for more people to get involved in prayer ministry . . . for me a couple thoughts came to mind:

My top 10 reasons for calling for more pray-ers:

1. To see more people involved in God's Kingdom work. It's not about the numbers but it is about equipping people to be kingdom minded. (Plus, the more "boat rowers" the less "boat rockers.")

2. As a pastor, and a prayer leader, it is important to let folks know God wants us to be a praying people. Pray isn't only for the 80 year old, silver-haired, 50-year Sunday School teacher, KJV type saints. God directs all disciples to pray.

3. It helps keep short accounts in the Body. If I know I am praying with and for others, it is tough to harbor anger, ill feelings, getting even, etc.

4. It helps keep the church family on same page of mission/vision. If more people are corporately involved in praying for matters, we move in same direction. Corporate decisions are no longer a tug of war. People who pray with others are generally more loyal to the church.

5. More pray-ers means more variety of prayers(one will pray for a matter differently than I may pray). Also, more pray-ers make 24 hour prayer vigils and chains a lot easier to do (I don't have to stay up all night!)

6. It promotes a Body/Team concept.This isn't tennis or golf (a one on one activity). It is a team/body approach. Praying together promotes team play and unity.

7. It helps people recognize they are in a battle. I like the word picture of ARMY of INTECESSORS . . . Prayer wrestlers . . . storming the gates . . . and throne.

8. It develops community (Acts style).

9. Praying Together provides a "pool" of perspective prayer leaders to draw from for future prayer ventures.

10. Corporate prayer makes an impact in the community, city. A praying church is a driving force.

Tim McGarvey is the senior pastor of First Alliance Church in Altoona, Pennsylvania.