You don’t need to be a mason or an architect to know that the process of building a house takes time. No one can start constructing a skyscraper from the fifteenth floor— it’s not possible. They must begin with a small, humble step: the foundation, this is crucial for a building to stand firm and endure harsh weather. Then from the foundation, a framework is built by adding a brick on top of the other. Slowly, layer by layer, the building begins to rise, growing taller and more complex till it becomes the skyscraper that everyone regards in awe. The early stages might not look impressive, but every step is essential for the growth of the final structure.

This could be likened to what prayer does in the life of the believer. When we pray, we are built up in the spirit; the more we pray, the more we get built.

Yesterday, we examined the importance of prayer in the believer’s life and devotion, and today, we will be going into how prayer edifies and builds up.

Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬ ‭
New King James Version
20“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,”‭‭

The word “building” is the Greek word “Oikodomeo” which is a building term meaning to lay brick upon brick, in such a way as to create an edifice. This is what the Bible says every believer should do— build ourselves up!

This text also instructs us on how to do this; by praying in the Holy Spirit. This is one of the numerous scriptures in the bible that admonishes the believer to pray. But this text also shows one of the most valuable things the place of prayer does for us and that is to edify us!

Another text that shows us this is:

‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭14‬:‭4‬ ‭
New King James Version
4 “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.”

This scripture also emphasizes praying — specifically, praying in the spirit. When we pray in the spirit we communicate directly to God in an unknown language, a language only He understands. The text further emphasizes that a man who prays edifies himself! It shows us that prayer stirs us up! Builds us up! Prepares us!

And, this is the reason why the believer’s times of devotion are of utmost importance. Personal times of devotion are essential for deepening our relationship with God and building our faith. It’s in these moments of private prayer, when we shut out the noise of the world and focus on God, that we can hear His voice clearly and receive His guidance. It is also during these times that we can pour out our hearts to Him, allowing Him to strengthen and renew us.

So, we must set out time daily for personal times of prayer, to separate ourselves unto God in prayer. Leaving the distractions and occurrences of the world and simply spending time communicating with God, renewing our minds, and edifying ourselves in the place of prayer.

But, while emphasizing personal times of prayer, we mustn’t forget the importance of corporate times of prayer. Sustaining the fire on our altars requires both personal devotion and corporate prayer.

How do we know this? Because we see an example in the scriptures through the life of the early disciples in the Book of Acts.

Acts 1:14
New King James Version
14 “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.”

The disciples understood the importance of prayer in building up one another and the body of Christ. This passage says “with one accord in prayer,” which shows unity and agreement in the place of prayer. The disciples through scriptures were known to gather together to pray and they did not only pray for themselves but also for each other! They knew that corporate prayer was such a powerful force. They were always united in purpose, seeking God together for strength, wisdom, and guidance.

Acts 4:31
New King James Version
31 “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”

A little backstory— this experience occurred after Peter and John were just released from prison, instead of being downcast and frustrated, the disciples gathered and we see the formidable result of their corporate prayer: a moment of edification. Their faith was built up, and they were emboldened to continue spreading the gospel.

This is exactly what the local church does for the modern-day believer. Your local church is that place where you can have corporate times of prayer as the disciples did.

Scripture instructs in Hebrews 10:25 that we never neglect the gathering of believers. Be at every prayer meeting in your local church because this is what would keep you— in times when things are hard or you just don’t feel like praying, corporate prayers would stir you up, encourage you and remind you of the importance of prayer.

Even in times of trial and persecution, the disciples knew that prayer was essential for maintaining their spiritual fire. When they were scattered and facing adversity, they did not shrink back. Instead, they prayed for boldness, strength, and continued faith in God. Through prayer, they were perpetually edified and built up, so they could withstand whatever challenges came their way.

And this is why the bible is replete with instructions and encourages us to always pray both in corporate and personal times!

Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭18‬ ‭
New King James Version
18 “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—”

Our prayer altars are to always be kept on fire because it is our lifeline. It’s the way we communicate with our source and receive strength. Hence, a believer who doesn’t pray would invariably be weak, frustrated, and open to temptations and insults from the devil.

Prayer does more in us than what it does for us. No time of prayer leaves us the same— as we speak to God, we are edified, and the Spirit inside of us is stirred up, empowering us to live out our faith with boldness and confidence.

Just as the disciples were built up in their faith through prayer, we too must prioritize prayer as a way to stay spiritually strong. Whether it’s praying individually or gathering with others to pray, we are continually edified through the power of prayer.

So, as you go on with your day and the rest of this year, ensure that you are always stirred up, praying, always edified, and always building yourself up because this is what will keep you in the faith, strengthening your mind, body, and convictions in Christ.

Prayer Point
I pray that I may always build myself up in my most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit. I sustain the fire on my altar through consistent personal devotion and corporate prayer, and I will continue to edify myself and others as I pray.