Positive Sign

We deeply love this verse, and when we read it within its context, it also invites us to see a slightly different perspective.

Matthew 18:17-20 NLT
If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector. “I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven. “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

The context of these verses talks about the Church.

Jesus gave a powerful promise to His Church: when believers come together in unity and faith, and ask according to God’s will, He hears and answers. He said that whatever the Church binds on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever it looses on earth will be loosed in heaven. This reveals the authority and spiritual responsibility God has entrusted to His people.
The Lord also assured us of His presence—even if only two or three gather in His name, He is there among them. This shows that the power of prayer does not depend on numbers, but on sincere hearts united in Christ.
However, this promise comes with an important principle: our prayers must align with God’s will. The Lord does not grant selfish desires or evil intentions. Instead, He responds to prayers that honor Him and seek His purposes.
We must also examine our hearts. Are we truly followers of Christ? A real follower lives in obedience to His Word and desires to do His will. When the Church walks in righteousness, unity, and faithfulness to God, its prayers carry great power. This is the secret to seeing prayers answered—not merely asking, but living a life that is fully surrendered to Christ.