Study overview
One of the most dominant features of the New Testament church was that they prayed.
Following the ascension of Jesus, the followers of Jesus were left in Jerusalem without Jesus' physical presence, but spiritually they were still in contact with him because they prayed.
When the disciples were selecting the replacement for Judas they prayed. The decision was too great to make by themselves.
Following Peter's sermon on Pentecost that resulted in many new believers, they were instructed in spiritual growth tools. Among those tools was prayer.
Prayer was such a way of life that they took time out each day, even in the afternoons, to spend time in prayer to God.
Prayer was so important to the apostles that they set aside other servants to care for the physical needs of the widows, so they could spend extended periods of time in prayer.
Do you see the picture?
Prayer is not some function tacked on at the end of a service.
It is not an agenda item that if we get to it then we will pray.
Prayer is to be prominent, primary, and prestigious in the life of a church and its members. Our prayers should move beyond the walls of the church and embrace the concerns of our communities with the power of God. Here is a list of the seven studies on prayer:
The Indispensable and Distinguishing Feature, Acts 2:42
Prayer Brings God to Us, Acts 4:24
Prayer Changes Us, Acts 4:13
Prayer Unleashes the Power of God, Acts 4:31
Prayer Prepares Us to Share Our Faith Boldly, Acts 4:31
What Happens When A Church Prays?, Acts 12:5
The Prayer Force, Acts 6:1-4
Lifeway has many resources to help you learn about prayer and train your church family members to pray.
Pray In Faith by T.W. Hunt and Claude King
And the Place Was Shaken: How to Lead a Powerful Prayer Meeting by John Franklin
Disciple's Prayer Life: Walking in Fellowship with God by T.W. Hunt and Catherine Walker
Praying God's Word by Beth Moore