The Church Rarely Prayed Together.

Acts 2:41–47 NKJV

41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

I. We are to be known for our prayer.

Matthew 21:13 NKJV

13 And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ”

In the early days of the church, believers banded together for prayer like a group of travelers navigating through a dense forest. Each prayer was akin to lighting a torch, illuminating the dark paths ahead. The collective prayers serve as beacons, guiding the group through uncertainty and danger. A praying church faces life’s wilderness not alone, but together, each member contributing their light, ensuring no one walks in darkness. This unity in prayer brings wisdom, direction, and safety, echoing the promise found in Matthew 18:20, where Christ promises to be present in our midst.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 NKJV

17 pray without ceasing,

1 Timothy 2:8 NKJV

8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;

II. Everyone thinks they pray.

When interviewing the members of churches who had died, Rainer stated that they all said that the church prayed before its death.

III. The reality is, many churches are not proficient on prayer.

However, as he dug further, they all came to state that corporate prayer became a tradition and not a priority. It was prayer of routine and ritual but would hardly qualify as New Testament prayer. Their eyes would open wide as they would began to reflect on the powerful times of prayer the churches held during their haydays. They would recall the 24-hour prayer meetings, the all night prayer meetings. The greatest days of the church coincided with the greatest days of prayer. Prayer and the church go hand-in-hand.

III. Prayer must be cultivated.

When we visualize a praying church, think of a deeply rooted tree, anchored in rich soil. The roots, hidden from view, represent the prayers that nourish our community—supporting each member in their individual struggles and triumphs. As this tree grows, its branches extend, providing shade and refuge for others. Similarly, when a church commits to prayer, it fosters a nurturing environment which attracts the weary and the lost. True strength is hidden in prayer, and just as a tree cannot grow without its roots, we cannot thrive without fervent prayer as our foundation.

Imagine a musician leading an orchestra, where each instrument represents individual parishioners, and prayer is the sheet music guiding their harmony. A praying church creates a beautiful symphony of love, faith, and service, with God conducting from above. Just as each musician must tune their instrument to create an uplifting sound, each member must seek personal alignment through prayer to contribute positively to the church's collective mission. When they pray together, they blend their unique sounds into a masterpiece of worship, reflective of the diverse body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.

IV. What did prayer look like in the N.T. Church?

Acts 10:30–31 NKJV

30 So Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God.

“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren” (Acts 1:14).

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).

“Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour” (Acts 3:1).

“And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31).

“But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4).

“Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost” (Acts 8:15).

“… but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him” (Acts 12:5).

“… he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying” (Acts 12:12).

“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted… And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away” (Acts 13:2-3).

“And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed” (Acts 14:23).

“And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made” (Acts 16:13).

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them” (Acts 16:25).

“And it came to pass, as we went to prayer…” (Acts 16:16).

“And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all” (Acts 20:36).

“… we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed” (Acts 21:5).

Questions:

What does a praying church look like?

Are we a praying church?

How can we pray better?