A Praying Church

A Praying Church
“Continuing steadfastly in prayer”
Acts 2:42
Model of the Early Church
Throughout the book of Acts, prayer is what described the early church.
They were not just a church that prayed, but they were defined by prayer … the early church was a praying church …
Teach us to pray …
Luke 11:1-4 Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, …”
After Jesus’ ascended …
Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
“continually devoting themselves to prayer”
“w/one accord devoting themselves to prayer”
“continually united in prayer”
Following Pentecost …
Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Acts 6:4 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word."

…With Eyes Open
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Romans 12:11-12 continuing steadfastly in prayer …

Continual prayer …
Realizing our dependence upon God …
Daniel 4:32-37; Jer. 10:23; 2 Cor. 3:5

Constant awareness of God’s presence …
Psalm 139:7-10; 2 Kings 6; Rom. 8:31-33

… With Knees bowed
The practice of the early church …
Acts 9:36-42 Peter praying for Tabitha
Acts 20:36-37; Acts 21:5
Their perspective … desperate need
Psalm 95:6 Come let us bow down …
Isaiah 1:13-15 unacceptable w/o heart reality
Their power
James 5:16 prayer of righteous man avails much
Acts 9:13-15 Ananias’ fears concerning Saul

… With Voices Raised
Ordinary voices … Acts 4:13, 23-24
“they raised their voice to God with one accord ...”
Bold voices … Romans 1:16; Hebrews 4:16
Unified voices … Acts 4:31-32

God’s invitation …
Psalms 50:15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me."
Jeremiah 29:11-12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
Jeremiah 33:3 'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'

A Praying Church
“Continuing steadfastly in prayer”
Acts 2:42