I have been extensively studying the book of Acts for a class I am participating in and one of our assignments was to identify “keys” to the establishment and expansion of the first-century church. That is, what recurring themes do we find in the book of Acts that helped the church become grounded and grow “to the ends of the earth”? And what of those things that occurred in the first century church a few thousand years ago are still applicable today? Over the next six weeks I would like to share some of the things I found in my study of Acts that if we were to take seriously and adopt as a church we may see the amazing power of God unfold in our lives and ministries.
Common patterns that seemed to arise in the book of Acts that contributed to the establishment and expansion of the First-Century Church are centered around the following themes: Leadership, Prayer, Witnessing, Unity, Holy Spirit Empowerment, and Persecution. Many of these areas overlap (i.e., praying in one accord is both prayer/unity) but it was helpful for me to compartmentalize the keys into these general categories.
Today we’ll talk about PRAYER
Prayer entails seeking the Lord for wisdom, guidance, petitioning Him during times of need, giving thanks and praise to God, engaging in worship, impartation and listening to God as well. The prayers of the apostles and disciples, especially when done in community and with one accord, brought about power and miraculous signs and wonders.
I invite you to check out some (by no means a full list!) of these keys pertaining to prayer I identified, along with their scripture references from the book of Acts. As you read through these, decide what of these we can apply to our lives today to be in alignment with God’s design for His church.
The apostles along with other followers of Jesus gathered and continued steadfastly in prayer and supplication, praising and worshiping God, praying for boldness in witnessing/preaching, signs and wonders, impartation to appointed leaders, and seeking His will and purpose be done (1:14, 2:42, 4:23-31, 6:6)
Stephen called on God both to assist him in his greatest need, and to intercede on behalf of those who were about to kill him (7:59-60)
The church intercedes constantly for Peter while in prison and the Lord responds by supernaturally releasing Peter from prison (12:5-17)
Paul and Barnabas employed prayer and fasting to give them wisdom by which to commend the elders of the congregations they were overseeing (14:23)
Paul and the elders prayed in preparation for his departure and throughout his journey to Jerusalem (20:36, 21:5)
As I reflect upon how we do ministry today, I am encouraged that when we as disciples employ these same principles within the context of our lives and ministries we should hope to see the same power, signs and wonders the apostles experienced. After all, the same Spirit that worked in each of the men and women during the establishment and expansion of the First-Century Church is the same Spirit that was in Jesus, and continues to dwell in us today. As we seek to turn our ministries to become realigned with the Way of Christ and His Apostles I am confident we shall continually move to see the Church unfold in power and in great works in the world, as well as transform the hearts and lives of His people to a greater degree.