As we pursue our own goals and dreams, the journey can often feel lonely and overwhelming. If I’m doing God’s work, shouldn’t it always be easy and fun? Of course, that’s what I want, but I realize that is naïve. Sometimes it is easy and fun, and often it is very challenging. Why? Because God is always growing me into the women who can steward the dreams He has placed in my heart. That means I am constantly changing, and change is hard.
I know I’m not alone. If you are walking with God, He is changing you. I have always been independent, preferring to do things alone. I’ve had to learn the hard way that God never wants us to live life alone or to accomplish our goals and dreams alone. It’s not in His character.
The Bigger Your Dreams . . .
Have you noticed that the bigger your dreams, the more you need the help of others to accomplish them? I definitely found that to be true when I was writing my book series, “Dare to Dream: The Art of Co-Creating with God” in 2015 and 2016. I kept getting derailed because of fear and self-doubt. But I was determined to get it done on my own. The harder I pushed, the more I got distracted, until I finally had to admit that I couldn’t do it alone. Drat!!
As much as I resisted, I finally asked three women friends if they would be willing to pray with me weekly for our mutual needs. Fortunately, they said yes, and our prayer partnerships began. Surprise, surprise . . . I got back on track and was able to finish and publish my books! Two of the prayer partnerships lasted for over 5 years. Matthew 18:20 reminds us, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” There is definitely power in praying with others.
God’s dreams for us are always bigger than our own, so we need the love, support, encouragement and accountability provided by others to accomplish them. I now know that this is by His design. Is there something meaningful that you’ve wanted to accomplish but can’t quite seem to finish? I encourage you to consider asking at least one person (preferably two) to pray regularly with you, not just for your big dreams but for your life in general.
In this blog post, I want to share what I have learned about prayer partnerships. I know through personal experience that they have the power to transform our lives, and I want that transformation for you as much as I want it for me!
What is a Prayer Partnership?
At its core, a prayer partnership is a sacred agreement between individuals who commit to support, uplift, and intercede for one another through prayer. It’s a relationship grounded in faith, trust, and mutual respect, where each partner has the desire to align their goals and dreams with God’s purpose for their lives.
In the hustle and bustle of life, it is so easy to overlook the power of partnership. Yet, the Bible reminds us that “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor” (Ecclesiastes 4:9). Prayer partnerships provide a spiritual framework for shared accountability, encouragement, and empowerment as we move in the direction of our goals and dreams.
Choosing the Right Prayer Partner
Finding the right prayer partner involves intention, discernment and prayerful consideration. It’s not just about finding someone to pray with but identifying someone who shares your values, vision, and commitment to personal and spiritual growth. It is important to take the time to think and pray about people in your life who feel safe and supportive. If someone tends to be a naysayer or challenges and doubts you whenever you try to move forward, that person will not be a good choice. A feeling of safety with the person is paramount.
When selecting prayer partners, look for qualities such as empathy, encouragement, and a shared commitment to personal and spiritual growth. Consider people who uplift and inspire you, who offer fresh perspectives and unwavering support when you face challenges in your life.
Initiating Prayer Partnerships
Approaching a friend to invite them into a prayer partnership can be a little scary, especially if you prefer to do things alone. This is a great time to pray for courage, direction and guidance as you approach potential partners with humility, openness, and a genuine desire to cultivate meaningful relationships rooted in faith.
Extend invitations with sincerity and transparency, sharing your heart and vision for the partnership. Remember, you are not just asking them to pray for you. You are offering to pray for them, which is a gift. It’s a two-way street. You may need to step out of your comfort zone and embrace vulnerability as you invite someone to join you on this journey of faith and transformation, but it is so worth it!
Establishing Partnership Dynamics
As you initiate a prayer partnership, establishing clear communication and shared expectations is so important for fostering a nurturing and supportive relationship. Before you start meeting to pray, set parameters for your conversations: the day of the week and time, the length of time you commit to (20 minutes is typically enough, as long as you remain focused), by phone or in person, who will initiate the calls (you can switch back and forth), and the format of your conversations.
For example, in each of my prayer partnerships, we had a phone call at the same date and time each week. We made exceptions when things came up, but it was easier to have a regular schedule. Our goal was to keep our calls within 20 minutes (though sometimes they went longer). We decided at the beginning of each call who would go first. That person gave a very brief update on what was happening (both positives and struggles) and then stated their prayer requests. The second person then prayed for them. Then the second person gave their update, shared their prayer requests, and the first person prayed for them.
Because we had set the parameters beforehand, we both knew what to expect of our time, and we both respected those boundaries. If you don’t set expectations ahead of time, you may experience disappointments that could end the prayer partnership.
The goal is to create a safe space for vulnerability and authenticity, where partners can openly share their struggles, victories, and prayer requests without fear of judgment or condemnation. Be sure to prioritize active listening, empathy, and mutual respect as you navigate the highs and lows of life’s journey together.
The Impact of Prayer Partnerships
The impact of your prayer partnership extends beyond the realm of personal growth and goal setting. It truly is a powerful catalyst for spiritual renewal, connection, and divine intervention. As you join together in prayer, you invite God’s presence, guidance, and blessings into every aspect of your lives. That’s powerful!
Through prayer partnership, you will experience a profound sense of connection and purpose as you pray for one another. As you allow the other person more and more into your life, you will begin to feel the spirit more deeply and will learn how best to support one another in this journey we call life.
Nurturing Growth and Accountability
As your prayer partnership evolves, nurturing growth and accountability becomes a shared responsibility. Encourage one another to stay rooted in faith, persevere in the face of challenges, and celebrate each other’s victories along the way. It will deepen and strengthen your friendship in ways you cannot anticipate.
Stay committed to regular communication, prayer, and mutual support, even when the journey grows challenging or uncertain, which it will, because we all face challenges. Lean on each other’s strength and wisdom, knowing that you are not alone in your pursuit of God’s goals and purpose for your life.
Conclusion: Embracing the Journey Together
In this crazy world of uncertainty and upheaval, prayer partnerships can offer hope, connection, and divine guidance. They are a reminder that we are not meant to journey alone but to walk hand in hand with others who share our vision, values, and commitment to personal and spiritual growth.
As you embrace life’s journey together, you can lean on each other’s faith, lift each other up in prayer, and trust even more that God will be there for you every step of the way. I love the transformative power of connection, love, support, and divine intervention – we absolutely need it to fulfill our dreams and God’s purpose for our lives. I pray God’s blessings over you as you step into prayer partnership.