Prayer Is How the Magic Happens!

“I promise that when any two of you on earth agree about something you are praying for, my Father in heaven will do it for you. Whenever two or three of you come together in my name, I am there with you.”

— Matthew 18:19-20 CEV

God makes magic happen when we come together in prayer! Jesus teaches in this passage that when two or three people agree about something in prayer, God will certainly respond. As we get ready to wrap up 2023, we’re excited to see how God will move in the new year, whether in the world, in our church, or in our own lives.

“Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” [17] Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.

— 2 Kings 6:16-17 NLT

Through prayer, we’re looking forward to God opening our eyes to see beyond what’s in front of us. That’s why we decided to host “Prayer Walk Sundays” at our services all over the Bay Area this weekend and last. God’s power pierces through discouragement and the forces of darkness when our voices come together in prayer.

The power of prayer

With the unrest in our world today, the effects of the pandemic still lingering, and the senseless acts of violence we’ve heard about in the news this week, the world is in great need of prayer.

Most of all, I’m writing to encourage you to pray with gratitude to God. Pray for all men with all forms of prayers and requests as you intercede with intense passion. [2] And pray for every political leader and representative, so that we would be able to live tranquil, undisturbed lives, as we worship the awe-inspiring God with pure hearts. [3] It is pleasing to our Savior-God to pray for them. [4] He longs for everyone to embrace his life and return to the full knowledge of the truth.

— 1 Timothy 2:1-4 TPT

We kicked off our prayer walks in San Francisco last weekend with a “Sole Sunday,” where hundreds came together for an inspiring service and lesson on breakthrough prayers. Afterward, we had some special to-go holiday refreshments and partnered up to enjoy powerful prayers together. College students and professionals talked to God while taking scenic walks around Lake Merced; single parents “stayed and prayed” at our service location, and a group of Spanish speakers prayed together in their native language. Everyone prayed for family, friends, and God’s vision for the future.

The inspiration from “Sole Sunday” has stretched into this week as we keep hearing of more people planning to get together and pray.

This weekend, we will continue having “Prayer Walk Sunday services” all throughout the Bay Area—from Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara to Alameda and Contra Costa—with each focusing on the power and impact of prayer … because that’s where God makes the magic happen.

Prayer is also a great way to prepare ourselves for our upcoming Holiday Celebration services titled “The Magic of Believing” on December 17. At each of our service locations, we will have not only a faith-building sermon and fun activities but also our 16th Annual Toy Drive, which benefits local foster agencies, community families, and youth all throughout the Bay and beyond!

Check out bacc.cc/locations to find a Holiday Celebration service near you and invite friends to join!

Until next time!