The Preeminence of Christ in Prayer

Praying together in the presence of His Supremacy over all!

The Scriptures reveal that God’s heart is for all nations, especially the oppressed and broken, and that His Church is called to embody His love through prayer, blessing, and disciple-making. At the centre of this mission is the preeminence of Christ, who is described in Colossians 1:18 as the one who “is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent” (ESV).

Christ’s Supremacy in Prayer and Blessing

Because Jesus is Lord, we are called to yield to His love, recognising that His authority and love extend over all creation. This truth should guide our prayers and blessings, reminding us that we are not merely asking for earthly benefits but aligning ourselves with Christ’s supreme will for the nations. As Genesis 12:1-3 declares, “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you’” (NIV)—a promise ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who is the source of all blessing.

Jesus is here, so we can be confident in prayer. As Matthew 18:20 reminds us, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (ESV). Knowing that Christ, who reigns supreme, is present in our prayers, should embolden us to seek His will for the nations, our cities, and our neighbours. In Jeremiah 29:7, we are urged to pray for the peace and prosperity of the cities we live in, trusting that Christ’s presence is transforming even the darkest places: “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (ESV).

Jesus is good news, and we are called to walk in His presence, speak words of reconciliation, and perform works that bring justice. As ambassadors of Christ, we are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation: “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18, NIV), proclaiming the peace that comes through Christ’s sacrifice. Revelation 5:9-10 shows us that Christ’s redemption extends to “persons from every tribe and language and people and nation” (NIV), highlighting the global scope of His kingdom.

Jesus’ Call to Prayer for All Nations

Jesus declared, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Mark 11:17, ESV), emphasising the universal scope of God’s invitation to prayer. This is a call not just for individuals, but for communities, families, and nations to seek God’s face together. Psalm 105:4 encourages us to “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” (ESV), while Psalm 27:8 reminds us that God desires us to seek His face: “You have said, ‘Seek my face.’ My heart says to you, ‘Your face, Lord, do I seek’” (ESV). Seeking God’s strength and presence is central to our prayer lives, as it aligns us with His will and empowers us to fulfil His purposes on earth.

The Priorities in Prayer on God’s Heart 

When we pray, we should prioritise what is on God’s heart—His glory among the nations, justice for the oppressed, and peace in our communities. Psalm 67:1-4 calls us to ask for God’s blessing, not just for ourselves but so that “your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations” (NIV). Our prayers should reflect a desire for all people to experience the justice, mercy, and reconciliation that come through Christ.

Numbers 6:24-26 reminds us of the priestly blessing, which now finds its fullest expression in Christ, the great High Priest: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (NIV). In Christ, we are called to bless others, including our enemies, reflecting the mercy we have received.

Finally, Revelation 8:3-4 gives us a glimpse of eternity, where the prayers of God’s people are like incense rising before Him: “And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel” (ESV). These prayers, collected in heavenly prayer bowls, represent the ongoing intercession of the Church, aligning with Christ’s supreme purpose to bring all things under His rule.

 Questions and Answers on the Power of Prayer

What happens when we pray together?

When we pray together, we unite our hearts and minds under Christ’s lordship, inviting His presence to work powerfully among us. Corporate prayer strengthens the bond of community and amplifies our petitions, as Jesus promised, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20, ESV).

What happens when families pray together?

When families pray together, they build a spiritual foundation that strengthens their relationships and aligns their household with God’s purposes. Family prayer fosters a sense of unity and dependence on God, teaching each member to trust in His guidance and provision.

What happens when neighbours pray together?

When neighbours pray together, they create a sense of community rooted in love and shared concern for one another’s well-being. Praying together breaks down barriers, fosters peace, and invites God’s presence into the neighbourhood, transforming it into a place of blessing.

What happens when leaders pray together?

When leaders pray together, they seek divine wisdom and guidance for the decisions they must make. Their united prayers bring clarity, direction, and a shared commitment to serve others with integrity and humility, seeking God’s will above their own. This collective submission to God fosters unity among leaders and sets a powerful example for those they lead, demonstrating the importance of relying on God’s strength and wisdom in leadership.

What happens when nations pray together and seek His face?

When nations pray together and seek God’s face, they open themselves up to the possibility of revival and awakening. As people across a nation unite in prayer, God’s Spirit can move powerfully to bring about repentance, renewal, and a fresh outpouring of His grace, leading to transformative change in the nation and beyond. Such collective prayer can result in societal healing, the restoration of justice, and the flourishing of communities under the blessing and guidance of God.