THE IMPORTANCE OF UNITY IN PRAYER
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Acts 1:14
Key Verse: “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren.” — Acts 1:14
Supporting Texts: Psalm 133:1-3; Matthew 18:19-20; Acts 2:1-4; Philippians 2:2; John 17:21
INTRODUCTION:
Unity in prayer is one of the most powerful forces in the kingdom of God. When believers come together in one mind and one accord, their combined faith becomes a magnet for divine intervention. God delights in the harmony of His people because it reflects His nature—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit perfectly united in purpose and power.
The early church understood the mystery of unity in prayer. After Jesus ascended, the disciples gathered together in one accord in the Upper Room. They did not argue about leadership or status; they prayed together until the promise of the Father came. Their unity released the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, which transformed them into bold witnesses who changed the world.
Today, the same principle applies. When believers unite in prayer, barriers are broken, miracles are released, and revival is birthed. A divided church cannot stand, but a praying church in unity cannot be stopped. Unity is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the harmony of hearts surrendered to the will of God.
1. UNITY ATTRACTS GOD’S PRESENCE
Unity among believers draws the tangible presence of God. Heaven responds to the sound of united prayer because it reflects the unity of the Godhead. Where there is harmony, the Spirit of God finds free expression.
a) God Commands His Blessing Where There Is Unity (Psalm 133:1-3)
When brethren dwell together in unity, it is like precious oil flowing down Aaron’s beard, symbolising the anointing. God commands His blessing—life forevermore—where there is harmony. Unity invites divine favour and supernatural growth.
b) Agreement Invites Divine Manifestation (Matthew 18:19-20)
Jesus said, “If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything they shall ask, it shall be done.” The power of agreement opens the heavens. When believers pray in one accord, Jesus Himself joins them in their midst.
c) Unity Strengthens Faith and Corporate Power (Romans 15:5-6)
God grants the church one mind and one mouth to glorify Him. A united church’s prayer has multiplied effect because it carries the weight of collective faith.
d) The Holy Spirit Moves Freely in Harmony (Acts 2:1-4)
On the day of Pentecost, they were all with one accord in one place, and the Holy Ghost descended. Disunity hinders the flow of the Spirit, but unity opens the floodgates of power.
Biblical Example:
On the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), the disciples were gathered together in one accord. The result was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the birth of the church, and the beginning of global evangelism.
2. UNITY IN PRAYER RELEASES SUPERNATURAL POWER
There is divine power released when believers pray together in unity. Heaven moves in response to collective faith and agreement.
a) United Prayer Shakes Foundations (Acts 4:31)
When the disciples prayed together after persecution, the place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. United prayer releases holy boldness and divine power.
b) Unity Multiplies Spiritual Strength (Deuteronomy 32:30)
One can chase a thousand, but two can put ten thousand to flight. Unity multiplies effectiveness in spiritual warfare. The devil trembles when the saints pray in one accord.
c) Corporate Intercession Brings Quick Answers (Daniel 2:17-19)
Daniel and his friends sought the Lord together, and God revealed the king’s secret in a night vision. Corporate prayer opens divine mysteries.
d) Unity Disarms the Enemy (Matthew 12:25)
A divided kingdom cannot stand. When the church stands united, every strategy of Satan collapses under the weight of divine authority.
Biblical Example:
When Peter was imprisoned (Acts 12:5-7), the church prayed without ceasing in unity, and an angel of the Lord broke his chains. United prayer unlocked divine intervention.
3. UNITY STRENGTHENS LOVE AND FELLOWSHIP AMONG BELIEVERS
Prayer in unity builds stronger relationships among believers. It melts pride, fosters humility, and deepens love within the Body of Christ.
a) Love Is the Bond of Perfect Unity (Colossians 3:14)
Love is the glue that binds believers together. Without love, prayer becomes mechanical. Unity thrives when love abounds.
b) Fellowship Deepens Through United Prayer (Acts 2:42)
The early believers continued steadfastly in fellowship and prayers. Their unity created a family of faith where no one lacked.
c) Division Quenches the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19)
Strife and gossip grieve the Holy Spirit. The Spirit flows freely only in an atmosphere of love and unity.
d) Unity Produces Joy and Strength (Philippians 2:2)
Paul rejoiced when the church was like-minded and of one accord. A united congregation experiences divine joy and peace.
Biblical Example:
The early church in Acts 4:32-35 lived in perfect harmony. They shared everything, prayed together, and great grace rested upon them all.
4. UNITY IN PRAYER PREPARES THE CHURCH FOR REVIVAL
No revival in history ever happened without united, fervent prayer. Unity attracts the fire of the Holy Spirit and brings divine awakening.
a) Revival Begins with Collective Humility (2 Chronicles 7:14)
When God’s people humble themselves together, pray, and seek His face, healing comes to the land.
b) Unity Releases the Fire of God (Acts 2:3-4)
The tongues of fire fell on all because they were united in expectation and prayer. Unity invites divine fire.
c) Oneness Breaks Denominational Walls (Ephesians 4:3-6)
The Spirit of God unites the church as one body with one faith, one hope, and one Lord.
d) United Prayer Awakens Sleeping Hearts (Habakkuk 3:2)
When believers cry together, God revives His work and renews His power in the midst of His people.
Biblical Example:
The 120 believers in the Upper Room (Acts 1:14-15) prayed persistently in unity, and their prayers birthed Pentecost, the greatest revival ever recorded.
CONCLUSION:
Unity in prayer is not optional; it is the heartbeat of revival and the secret of divine power. The church cannot prevail in division. When believers stand in one accord, mountains move, prisons open, and the Holy Spirit flows unhindered.
God is calling His people back to the Upper Room experience where pride, offence, and selfish ambition die, and hearts beat together for the glory of Christ. The world will only see the power of God when the church becomes one in prayer and love.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, make Your church one in spirit, love, and purpose.
2. Lord, break every wall of division among believers.
3. Holy Spirit, unite our hearts in fervent prayer.
4. Father, restore genuine love and fellowship in Your church.
5. Lord, let revival fire fall upon united intercession.
6. Holy Spirit, silence every voice of strife and contention.
7. Father, let my family experience the power of agreement.
8. Lord, bind us together with the cord of divine peace.
9. Father, make me a vessel that promotes unity in Your house.
10. Lord, release Your presence upon every gathering of believers.
