Bear with me. Scientists studied orchestra movements to discern whether the conductor actually led the many musicians or whether, instead, the musicians guided the conductor. Using infrared lights and cameras they photographed, measured, and analyzed the patterns in space created by the infrared lights that had been installed in the conductors baton and the violinists bows. They concluded that, in the instances studied, the conductor was actually anticipating the violinists movements and was therefore leading the orchestra and not the other way around. It's to say that symphonic sound is the resonance of a large group of skilled musicians playing differently keyed stringed, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments, reading the same musical score, under the direction of a conductor. Conduction guides the volume, blend, and timing of their work. it is necessary in creating the sum phoneo of music.
Jesus explained the idea of conduction when he told his disciples to agree in prayer. Here's a verbatim of two things he said about prayer---
Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be
done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my
name, there am I among them.
Matthew 18:19-20, ESV
He promised his presence to guide and direct them when they prayed.
This may have presented a puzzling dilemma for his followers. Matthew had recorded what is thought to be the first revelation of Jesus' death and resurrection back in Matthew 16. How they processed his promise to be with them when they agreed in prayer involves some speculation. But, he cleared it up with them later when he explained the coming of the Counselor to be with them. John wrote this promise this way---
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will
teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
John 14:26, ESV
Jesus explained that the Counselor, the Holy Spirit would teach them all things and bring to remembrance all that he had said to them. It was another assurance of the concept of conduction, that the Counselor would give direction to everything, teaching them and reminding them of the essentials of their following him.
Then again, the Apostle Paul, writing to the believers in Rome, confessed his own personal weakness in prayer. His further conclusion in that setting was that the Spirit would help us in the dilemma of wrongful praying. It was another verse about the role of the conductor in offering prayer to the Father. He wrote---
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for
as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for
words.
Romans 8:26, ESV
Now, for some comment. What Jesus promised about agreement in prayer has been a source of much debate, usually along two lines of extreme. One is the health/wealth gospel claim that God will answer this prayer carte blanche and give us anything we ask for in agreement. It's a perversion of many other Scripture passages to presume that his promise is an ATM or heavenly sweepstakes for believers. At the other pole is the total negation of this promise, the belief that God will not give us what we ask for when in agreement with other Christians. This is where the concept of conduction must enter the arena of corporate prayer. Believers who are (1) in spiritual agreement, and are (2) under the authentic guidance of the Holy Spirit, would never ask for anything that contradicts the character of God or the truth of His Word.
We humans are prone to several errors in our prayer experience---
1. The error of wrong motives.
James wrote it this way, "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask
with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures
(James 4:3, NIV). The Holy Spirit conducting our corporate and personal
prayers keeps us focused in praying from a genuine heart.
2. The error of praying while doubting.
Again, Jesus said, "And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have
faith" (Matthew 21:22, ESV). We are circumstantial creatures, often ruled by
what is happening around us. Even Simon Peter diverted his eyes from Jesus
and focused on the waves. Praying in faith requires the Counselor to guide and
embolden us.
3. The error of perfunctory praying.
We prefer our prayer lists, praying for the missionaries on the foreign fields,
and the people in our circle of influence. These prayers are often memorized
bullets requiring little thought and personal preparation. Jesus said, "But when
you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is
in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you" (Matthew 6:6,
ESV). He indicated a more purposeful, intimate occasion of prayer. The Holy
Spirit can conduct us into this right spirit.
4. The error of not submitting to God.
Jesus prayed, "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in
heaven" (Matthew 6:10, ESV). There is a note of submission and acceptance of
God's will. James added, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil,
and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be
wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and
your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you"
(James 4:7-10, ESV). The Holy Spirit can conduct is past our human wishes,
doubts, and question marks so that we can be submissive when we pray.
5. The error of prayerlessness.
Times of confusion and difficulty may hinder our prayers. Peter wrote, "The
end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for
the sake of your prayers" (1 Peter 4:7, ESV). Once again, the Counselor directs
us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17, ESV), and depend on God
to answer (1 Thessalonians 5:24, ESV).
Sum phoneo is agreement. Just as a symphony orchestra requires a conductor to lead musicians in an orchestral composition, so us humans need conduction as we agree in prayer. The conductor directs us to be in sync when we pray.
Conduction may explain how so many