Time of Prayer

Introduction

The first Sunday night of each month this year has been dedicated to a time of prayer. Some have appreciated this time; some have thought we could have spent our time together in a better way; most haven’t said anything. That could be silent acknowledgment or indifference. It’s hard to know which. We each spend time regularly praying. This communication with God is vital to our spiritual growth. We have at least two prayers each assembly time for group prayer time. Let’s take a quick look at something found in the book of Acts concerning prayer. What we see may be surprising.

Prayer in the Early Church

Even before the establishment of the church, the believers were together praying. Wouldn’t you have liked to have been in those prayer times? What do you think they prayed about? How long do you think they prayed? Was it perfunctory or with sweat and a cry for direction?

In Acts 2:42, what does it mean to be devoted to prayer? Do you think that meant the group had an opening and closing prayer? Do you think prayer had as much a place of importance as teaching, fellowship, and the Lord’s Supper? Do you think the group thought they were praying too much?

Prayer and Divine Response

Look in Acts 4:31. Peter and John have just returned from a strong encounter with the Sanhedrin. The people gather to hear and to pray. After prayer, the place was shaken. Why? What was the result of the prayer? With confidence and boldness they proclaimed the word of God. Will the results be any different for us?

How about Acts 6:4? A task needs to be done. An injustice needs to be corrected. The apostles will not take on the role of settling disputes. Shocking isn’t it. They aren’t going to be the ones who physically handles the problem. Instead they say they are going to maintain their focus on prayer and the ministry of the word. We would have said ministry of the word and prayer. What did the apostles consider an important ministry? So important that they refused to get sidetracked?

Prayer in Crisis

Look at Acts 12:5 and 12:12. Peter is imprisoned and the people are praying. Do you think they did other things? Why pray when your leader is taken from you? What do you think they were praying for? Peter’s release? Strength? God’s miraculous intervention?

Prayer as Identity

Now pay attention to this one in Acts 16:13. Paul is in Philippi. There is no assembly of Christians. As was his custom, he tries to find a synagogue on Saturday. Philippi doesn’t have a lot of Jews in it. So no formal synagogue building has been erected. Paul goes out to the river expecting to find a place of prayer. Not a place of worship. Not a place to assemble. Not a place to teach. A place of prayer. Other things than prayer went on in this assembly, but it was known as a place of prayer.

Throughout Acts, prayer plays a central role in the beginning of the church. Two thousand years must not change the centrality of prayer in our times together. This is one of the reasons why we pray together as a body on Sunday evenings. It is a time to restate our claim to prayer as central to our life as Christians as a congregation. May we always be known as a people who pray.

Tonight’s Prayer Focus

I have asked our prayer leaders tonight to pray specifically for those on our prayer list. I have divided the list into those with chronic health problems, special requests, and spiritual growth needs. Following their prayers we will have a song and be dismissed.

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