There we were, celebrating our tenth wedding anniversary in the beautiful ancient city built on several islands of a lagoon, linked together by bridges. The city of romance, Venice, Italy. On the sixth day of our ten-day dream vacation my spontaneous husband decided to treat us to a romantic evening concert. The string ensemble, called “Interpreti Venzian”, played Antonio Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” at an historic eleventh century cathedral. Red carpets were laid out as we walked in and since there was no assigned seating we just sat where we pleased. Of course we chose the closest seats we could possibly get.
While waiting for the symphony to begin, I admired the beautiful architecture around me and observed each instrument just waiting to be used to make beautiful music. One by one the musicians came out, the men dressed in black tuxedos, and one glamorous woman dressed in an exquisite black dress. They took their places behind their instruments. With great anticipation, I closed my eyes, listening closely when the lead violinist started playing and all the other instruments followed. We were so close we could see the sweat from cellist and could even hear the expressions of the bassist as they bowed, which added a great dramatic feel to the concert.
Looking around, I noticed people from the four corners of the earth, and I could only think of how all the different languages and cultures represented were able to understand the one thing that united us all together that night: the glorious sound of music. What a heavenly sound it was!
Now that I have been to Italy and experienced the culture, the sights, the smells and the FOOD, I am convinced that somewhere deep inside I have some Italian roots in my blood. I just proclaim that I’m Italian!! Mama Mia … Grazi … Prego… Sorry, I just can’t help myself!
Before my trip, I had started going to a prayer meeting. At the end of our meeting one night, the leader said, “We need your part.” She went on to explain that supernatural things happen in the place of prayer when we all come together to do our part.
My part?! What?!
I went home thinking about these words and thought, “Is my part really that important?” I felt a little discouraged because I really didn’t know how I was supposed to respond, but God had my attention. I started to pray and ask the Lord what my part looked like.
I felt He was saying that it is only through His power given by the Holy Spirit that I receive my part in prayer. I just have to be obedient and be available to do my part; He does the rest. His strength and power is greater than my understanding of what my part looks like.
After receiving this new revelation, an unexplainable desire for more prayer was birthed deep inside of me, and I just had to learn more. I wanted to go to the next level. My thinking changed about corporate prayer; instead of going into the group feeling timid, I went in knowing that God had an assignment for me. It was up to me to put in my part, and He would be there speaking through me. I felt needed!
The more we all put “our part” into prayer the higher we can go into the things of God.
The pieces were starting to come together, and the Lord reminded me of the amazing sounds of the symphony I had heard in Italy. In order for the sounds to be more magnificent and more beautiful each musician had to play their part. The harp by itself makes a beautiful sound, but when combined with the violin, cello, and other string instruments it has a powerful effect.
There is power when we pray by ourselves. However, when we come together as one playing the same piece of music and agreeing together in prayer, lives are changed and mountains are moved.
“Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.” Matthew 18:19 (Amplified)
Although our prayers don’t all sound the same, like the foreign languages that surrounded me in Italy, there is one common thing that we as believers can all understand: the power of prayer.
Listening to a symphony will never be the same for me. It has opened my spiritual eyes to a new revelation in Him. I know that my part in prayer is just as important in the kingdom of God as yours. Each of us holds a key to opening the doors and unlocking the mysteries of heaven through the place of prayer.
Now is the time! Time to arise and pray without ceasing. I believe God is calling us to go higher into new levels of prayer with Him. Please join me in the call to come together, agreeing with one another and lifting each other up to the Most High. We are all instruments used by God to conduct a symphony of prayer and there is no limit to how high our Conductor will take us!
This is so good Maree! You made it so simple to understand and inspiring to want to step out into corporate prayer sharing our part. Love it!!
what a post! honestly, you really painted a beautiful picture of corporate prayer for me and i loved this part particularly…"I wanted to go to the next level. My thinking changed about corporate prayer; instead of going into the group feeling timid, I went in knowing that God had an assignment for me. It was up to me to put in my part, and He would be there speaking through me. I felt needed!" love, love the analogy and how God uses everything to reveal Himself to us! love you!
Funny…I thought you were Italian
. Your comparison of a symphony and God's people praying is beautiful. God is growing my prayer life and I also see changes in our corporate worship where I attend services. I love seeing our Father work throughout our country and the world. Thanks to our GREAT GOD!
LOVE the picture you've painted, Maree!! As a musician, it totally speaks my language.
And I wish I was Italian, too!!!
Great article, Maree! It beckons us to be prayed up and "present". I love Italy, too.
Dear Maree,
You have captured "unity" in corporate prayer; each person tuned up by the Holy Spirit playing their part; timely and needed.
This is an all time favorite blog! Love watching a prayer life take root and take off.
Love, Mary Jo
I love this, My Maree. Walking with you through the streets of Venice and walking with you now in prayer, is such a wonderful memory and such a wonderful ride. The symphony God is composing through our lives is nothing less than the best philharmonic receiving a standing ovation. I love you.
Excellent post about prayer….personally and corporately. I appreciated this post very much.
Awesome, Maree! You so eloquently described the symphonic place of prayer that it entices us all to jump in with our parts!!! Crescendo!!!!!
So good, Maree!!! I was just studying corporate prayer today. This is so timely for me!!! Love you!
I don't have the words to express how deeply this has settled in my spirit! Thanks for the YouTube link at the end demonstrating Corporate Prayer! Bravo Maree!
Beautiful article Maree! Contemplating my part in this "symphony" more thoughtfully as I consider your admonition (and I was just about to pull away for some prayer with the Father…perfect timing!). As always, inspiring girl!
Thank you Rebecca!! Your love and support always mean so much!! Thank you for also stepping out and doing your part in prayer.
I love going on this prayer journey with you. Looking forward to seeing what more God has in store!!:)
He is moving all around us!! I love that God is growing your prayer life!! Keep watering that seed!!:)
Thank you Nancy!! I was not a musician, but I do love how God speaks through the arts!! I would love to hear you play something sometime!!:)
Thank you!! You have heard my heart!! Keep praying and asking the Lord for more!!:)
Mary Jo,
Your words are always full of encouragement!! Thank you!!
I LOVE your passion for prayer and for more of Him!! It is very catching!!
Love you,
Maree
You are my favorite!! I have learned so much about life and prayer by just walking beside you!! Thank you for allowing me to hear the Holy Spirit for myself. My love for you is deep!!
Love you,
Your Maree
Thank you!! God is taking us to new places in prayer!! So happy we get to be a part!!:)
Thank you Crista!! I appreciate your musicality and your passion for prayer!! They both inspire me to want to learn more!!:)
Love ya!
Thank you Joanna!! I love how God is stirring prayer in the hearts of so many around us!! It's great knowing that we get to play a part!!:)
Love you,
Maree
Thank you Kathy!! Your words meant so much to me!! I am so glad to have the honor to serve in the place of prayer with you!! Ready to go higher!!:)
Love you,
Maree
Thank you Leah!! You are always shining with His light of glory!! Keep praying your part!!:)
Love you,
Maree
Hey Maree, (Rita)
What a wonderful way to express our love into the throne room of God. I love music and the beauty of it's harmony. I'm so proud of you and all that you do for God's kingdom. Excellant article! Love you, Mom