I. When we consider the great promises which are made to prayer, and particularly the great blessing attached to public worship which the words of the text imply; when we consider, moreover, how sacred and almost Divine the prayers of the Church are, and how these prayers themselves are almost in a manner sanctified, and made more acceptable by the holiness of the places in which we meet together, it is surely a matter greatly worthy of inquiry how it is that Christians in general derive so little benefit from the prayers of the Church, in comparison with what they might in all reason be expected to do. Doubtless the reason is because persons come to church without consideration; they neither think of God nor seriously concerning themselves.
II. It may, indeed, be almost impossible for any one to shut out the world from his thoughts when he comes to church, if he is very much taken up with it at other times; but then when he finds that he is not able to pray on account of wandering thoughts, this ought to remind him that he is in a dangerous and bad way, that there is something wrong in his way of going on. For he may be quite sure if his mind is too distracted to wait upon God, that he is serving another master. It is evident that our prayers depend upon our manner of life. No one can express wants he does not feel, but he who most feels his want of assistance from God will be sure to pray aright.
III. We cannot doubt but that the words of the text do contain a great and assured truth that, over and above the usual and sure benefits of prayer, where two or three are gathered together in the church, there Christ is in the midst of them, in some mysterious and life-giving manner beyond understanding present to hear their prayers, present with Divine power to bless them and give them His peace. According as any man lives, so does he pray, and as far as he lives aright he will pray aright; and by prayer serious and devout prayer men are brought into some mysterious nearness to the Almighty God; they feel beneath them and around them the everlasting arms.
Plain Sermons by Contributors to "Tracts for the Times,"vol. i., p. 206.
References: Matthew 18:19. E. M. Goulburn, Thoughts on Personal. Religion,p. 132; J. Thomas, Catholic Sermons,vol. ii., p. 109. Matthew 18:19; Matthew 18:20. Parker, Cavendish Pulpit,vol. ii., p. 245.