Trust between two people is a treasured gift. Throw in a commitment to grow in Christ through prayer and you may have the makings of a prayer partnership.

My first attempt many years ago fell flat. Neither my college roommate nor I felt comfortable praying out loud. Unfortunately, we didn’t realize it was a prime opportunity for us to learn and grow — together.

However, my next experiences were bolstered by more growth in God’s grace. I learned the importance of seeking Him about who to approach and why. At times, I’ve gone years without a prayer partner. Other times, there is an obvious tug on my heart telling me, “It is time.”

And God provides.

A new friend or an old acquaintance becomes a sincere soul ready to delve into weekly prayer with me. Since I’m married, my husband is my only male “prayer partner.” Hence, all my references are to my fellow female followers of Christ.

As I share my deepest cares with a friend and fervently pray for theirs, the transparency forms a sacred trust.

Thirty years post-college, I can count the prayer partners I’ve had on one hand. Each person brings a unique blessing and realization of the POWER in a prayer partnership.

Personal accountability helps us stay on track with goals and God’s principles — and admit the times when we don’t. Without accountability, it’s easy to lose moral sensibility. “Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

“One another” is a repeated concept throughout Scripture. It emphasizes a mutual commitment to walk in grace and truth. Knowing we’re “in this together” creates a shared sense of value, vulnerability and victory. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds…” (Hebrews 10:24).

Worship and wisdom work in tandem as we recognize we’re in God’s presence to receive His counsel. “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” (Colossians 3:16).

Edification is central to the prayer partnership dynamic. With God as our Refuge, prayer is our approach to Him. In His Presence, we’re encouraged and built up; especially when it feels like life’s disappointments are tearing us down. Unless someone’s safety is a concern, keeping what is shared confidential keeps the bond strong. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:1).

Rich fellowship is the result when our sharing and praying has one aim — to help us walk in the Light of God’s grace and truth. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

I’m amazed by what God does through the POWER of a prayer partnership. My typical experiences include fifteen minutes per person to share prayer requests and fifteen minutes per person to pray for one another. However, each prayer pair should seek God about the frequency and format required for intimacy and consistency in His presence. I love this quote for some motivation and guidance.

“Pray often, for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan.” – John Bunyan

I’m grateful for the shield holders and sacrifice makers who scourge the satanic regularly on my behalf. I seek to do the same for them. Connecting with a dear friend whose heart brings encouragement and accountability to my own is a gift beyond measure.

You may already know the value of praying with someone with similar maturity, aspirations, perspectives and struggles (See more about Friendship MAPS here). But the goal is to invite God into every aspect of our lives. He knows the best ways to connect us with hope for the heart and joy to the soul.

"...For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” - Matthew 18:20

All Scriptural references are in the New International Version (NIV)