The Importance of Prayer in Community

Many of us regard prayer as a solitary act, and indeed, we need to spend time alone with God as Jesus did in scripture. Because we have so many defaults, flaws, and competing commitments that are in the way in our relationship with Christ, we need the power of communal prayer, especially during the Lenten season when the temptation to resort to our coping mechanisms is highest. It may be difficult for us to pray together when we don't share our needs. However, there's a growing strength in communal prayer that allows God to help in our times of need and to keep ourselves aligned with Christ.