Jesus lived his life in community. From his childhood with Mary and Joseph to his calling and traveling with the disciples to his declaration that he and the Father were one, Jesus lived in community. A community of faith nurtured him, supported him. And informed him (“Who do the crowds say that I am?” Luke 9:18).
It is unthinkable that we would try to live a faithful life without the gifts offered in a faithful community of Jesus. Jesus was known for valuing solitude since he retired to rest and pray, but living in community also marked his life.
Jesus makes a dramatic and revolutionary promise when he says, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matt. 18:20). This is a welcome promise to those who may wonder if God is present in their lives or their affairs.
This is a hopeful promise for those who sometimes feel alone and forsaken. This is an enormous assurance for those who face the unknown and need companionship and community.
We can be sure that Jesus keeps his promise and that when we gather in his name, he will be with us. We are often blessed by being in community. We receive encouragement, guidance, comfort, and hope by participating in a community.
We often find our faith strengthened in community. These gifts of community are available to us all, and we receive them more readily when we remember that Jesus meets us there.
This is an excerpt from a book A Guide to Prayer from All Who Seek God by Reuben P. Job. If you would like to buy this book please click here.