Build on Prayer
Building Blocks for God’s People – Part 5
Unleashing the Power of Prayer: Lessons from the Early Church
Have you ever wondered why some churches seem to thrive while others struggle? What’s the secret ingredient that fuels growth, transformation, and spiritual vitality? As I’ve been studying the book of Acts, I’ve discovered a powerful truth that we often overlook: prayer was the heartbeat of the early church. And I believe it’s the key to unlocking the power of prayer in our lives and our churches today.
The Prayer-Soaked Church
From the very first chapter to the last, the book of Acts is saturated with prayer. In fact, prayer is mentioned 19 times as a verb and 9 times as a noun throughout Acts. This wasn’t just a casual, “bless this food” kind of prayer. The early believers were devoted to prayer in a way that challenges and convicts me. Their prayer life exemplifies the true power of prayer.
Acts 1:14 tells us, “All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.” This wasn’t a one-time event; it was a lifestyle. They understood what A.B. Simpson meant when he said, “Prayer is the primary work of God’s people.””
The Power of Praying Together
But here’s what really struck me: the early church wasn’t just committed to individual prayer. They were devoted to congregational prayer. Time and time again, we see them gathering to pray, showcasing the true power of prayer in their unity:
- In Acts 1:14, they prayed together after Jesus’ ascension.
- In Acts 4:31, they prayed together in the face of persecution.
- In Acts 12:12, they prayed together for Peter’s release from prison.
There’s something powerful about God’s people praying in unity. As John Piper notes, “Praying in the assembly of other believers is more neglected than praying alone.” We need to recapture this practice in our churches today to experience the full power of prayer.
Praying with Biblical Understanding
The early believers didn’t just pray; they prayed with a deep understanding of who God is and what He can do. Look at their prayer in Acts 4:24-25:
“Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, ‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain?'”
Their prayers were rooted in Scripture and filled with theology. They understood that prayer isn’t just about asking for things; it’s about aligning our hearts with God’s character and purposes.
The Results of Faithful Prayer
When God’s people prayed, things happened:
- God gave wisdom for choosing leaders (Acts 1:24)
- God gave boldness in the face of opposition (Acts 4:31)
- God delivered Peter from prison (Acts 12:5)
- God guided missionary endeavors (Acts 13:3)
Prayer wasn’t just a spiritual placebo; it was the catalyst for God’s power to be unleashed in their midst, showcasing the undeniable power of prayer.
Putting It Into Practice
So how do we become a praying church like the one we see in Acts? Here are some practical steps we can take:
- Make prayer a priority: Set aside specific times for prayer, both individually and corporately.
- Pray Scripture: Use God’s Word to guide your prayers and deepen your understanding of His character.
- Pray together: Join a prayer group or start one with your friends or family to harness the power of prayer in unity.
- Expect God to answer: Pray with faith, believing that God hears and responds to our prayers.
As we embark on our generosity campaign and look to the future of our church, let’s remember that everything starts with prayer. Let’s commit to being a people who are devoted to prayer, just like the early church.
“My house shall be called a house of prayer,” Jesus said (Matthew 21:13). May that be true of our church, and may it start with each one of us. Will you join me in making prayer the foundation of all we do to truly experience the power of prayer?
Build by Serving Others
Praise in Spite of Pain
The Power of Giving
With Glad and Generous Hearts
Build on the Power of God
Build on the Promises of God
We hope you enjoyed the sermon and would love to see you in person. Plan your visit to Community Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Tennessee today!