Unity of Mind in Prayer
One of the most beautiful and descriptive phrases pertaining to the early believers is that they experienced “unity of mind” as a direct result of praying together. For example, Acts 1:14 indicates they all prayed “with one mind,” which means “with one accord,” or “with one passion.” They were in complete agreement as to the commission Jesus had placed upon them, and were determined to obey His instructions to remain in Jerusalem until the coming of the Holy Spirit. This tight unity among the early Christians is apparent throughout the Book of Acts.
We read, for example, that they continued day by day “with one mind” in fellowship and communion (2:46), and that they prayed for boldness “with one accord” (4:24). Also, many signs and wonders took place while they were all together “with one accord” (5:12). The apostles and elders were also “of one mind” at the Jerusalem Council concerning the doctrinal correction that was needed and consequently selected and sent forth messengers to deliver their decision to the brethren at Antioch (15:25).
This same unity should mark believers in Christ today. Ephesians 4:3 exhorts us to be “diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” as part of walking in a manner worthy of the calling of God in the gospel. Notice that we are not called to create a unity that does not exist, such as a superficial unity without doctrinal agreement, but to preserve the unity that the Spirit has already knit among true believers in Christ. As we submit to the Spirit of God by submitting to His Word, we are united in mind for the labor of prayer. And as likeminded believers pray together, God knits their hearts together in deeper affection and empowers them to accomplish His work. For this reason, Paul writes this benediction toward the end of his letter to the Romans: “Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus” (Rom. 15:5). Paul was convinced that the same God who produces endurance in the hearts of believers would also join their truth-informed minds together in order that they might “with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 15:6).
Let us, together, pray that the grace of God would so powerfully be made evident among believers today that this may be said of us and our churches too.
