Prayer Lives of the Apostles, Following their Examples

A spiritual journey throughout the ages.

Prayer Lives Following the Examples of the Prophets and Apostles

A Spiritual Journey Through the Ages

Last week we talked about who we are in the body of Christ. We learned that we are the children of God, New creations, we are ambassadors, citizens of heaven, We are the body of Christ, citizens of Heaven, we are the receivers of God’s promises, and participants in God’s Mission. As we grow in our Christian Walk, we need to make these facts solid in our lives. One of the MOST IMPORTANT TOOLS we can use to Make our build our faith and realize our position in Christ is Prayer.

Introduction

Prayer is an essential aspect of spiritual life, having prayer in our individual lives serves as a bridge between humanity and the Lord God Almighty. Throughout history, the prophets and apostles have demonstrated profound prayer lives, offering timeless examples for believers to follow. Their prayers were characterized by faith, devotion, and a deep connection with God, providing a foundation that continues to inspire and guide individuals in their spiritual journey.

Prayer Lives of the Prophets

Moses

Moses was, the great leader and lawgiver of Israel, he is known for his intimate relationship with God, which was manifested through his powerful prayers. His prayer life was marked by intercession on behalf of the Israelites, seeking divine guidance and intervention. One of the most notable instances is Moses' prayer on Mount Sinai:

Exodus 32:11–14

“11 And Moses besought the Lord his God, and said, Lord, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?

12 Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.

13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever.

14 And the Lord repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.”

where he pleaded with God to spare the Israelites after they had made the golden calf. His fervent intercession exemplifies the importance of praying for others and seeking God's mercy.

Daniel

Daniel's prayer life stands as a testament to unwavering faith and consistency. Despite facing persecution and threats, Daniel maintained his commitment to prayer, praying three times a day towards Jerusalem

Daniel 6:10

“10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”

His prayers were characterized by thanksgiving, supplication, and confession of sins. Daniel persisted to pray even though the Senators and leaders persuaded the King into signing a short term law to only pray to the King, Daniel never wavered in his faith, he continued to pray three times a day as he always did with his windows open.

Daniel 6:16–22

“16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.

17 And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.

18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.

19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.

20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?

21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.

22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they…”

The story of Daniel in the lion's den highlights the power of prayer in times of adversity, demonstrating that prayer can bring protection and deliverance to us when we are faithful in our prayer life.

Elijah

Let us take a look at the prayer life of Elijah, the fiery prophet, he exhibited a prayer life that was marked by boldness and confidence in God's power. His prayers brought about miraculous events, such as the raising of the widow's son, we see that Elijah had strong enough faith in his prayers that as he prayed over the widows son that had passed away, the Lord hear the prayers of Elijah and He raised the widows child once again.

1 Kings 17:21–22

21 And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the Lord, and said, O Lord my God, I pray thee, let this child’s soul come into him again.

22 And the Lord heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.”

The contest on Mount Carmel where he called down fire from heaven to prove the superiority of Yahweh over Baal. Elijah's prayer life teaches us the importance of praying with faith and expecting God to act mightily.

1 Kings 18:36–38

“36 And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.

37 Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.

38 Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.”

Peter

Peter, the rock upon which the church was built, demonstrated a prayer life that was integral to his ministry. His prayers were often focused on healing and deliverance, as seen in the account of Peter healing the lame man at the temple gate

Acts 3:6–7

“6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ancle bones received strength.”

and his prayer for Tabitha

Acts 9:40

“40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.”

which resulted in her being raised from the dead. Peter's prayer life underscores the significance of praying for healing and believing in the transformative power of prayer.

I have to ask do we have the faith that Peter avails much just like Peter and Elija.

Paul

The apostle Paul, known for his missionary journeys and extensive writings to the churches, Paul had a prayer life that was rooted in thanksgiving, intercession, and petition. Paul's letters are filled with prayers for the churches he established, asking for spiritual growth, strength, and wisdom

Ephesians 1:16–17

“16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:”

Philippians 1:3–11

“3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”

His prayers also included personal petitions, as seen in his request for the removal of his "thorn in the flesh" God will continue to provide through us good works, until the day He returns to take us home. We are all partakers in the glory and grace of God.

2 Corinthians 12:7–9

“7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Paul's example highlights the importance of praying for others and seeking God's help in personal struggles.

Philippians 4:4–7

“4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

John

John, the beloved disciple, exhibited a prayer life that was deeply contemplative and focused on spiritual intimacy with Christ. His prayers, as recorded in the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation, reveal a profound understanding of God's love and the eternal nature of the divine. John's prayer life encourages believers to seek a deeper connection with God, embracing the mystery and beauty of the divine relationship.

John 17

“1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:

2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.

7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.

8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send…”

includes Jesus' prayer for His disciples, and

Revelation 22:20

“20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

captures John's longing for Christ's return.

Applying the Examples of the Prophets and Apostles

Faith and Trust

The examples of the prophets and apostles teach us the importance of faith and trust in our prayer lives. They approached God with confidence, believing in His ability to answer their prayers and intervene in their circumstances. Emulating their faith involves trusting in God's promises and maintaining hope, even in difficult times.

Scripture:

Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Consistency and Commitment

Consistency and commitment are key elements of a vibrant prayer life. The prophets and apostles demonstrated unwavering dedication to prayer, making it a regular part of their daily routine. For modern believers, setting aside specific times for prayer and remaining steadfast in this practice can lead to a deeper spiritual connection.

Scripture:

1 Thessalonians 5:17 - "Pray without ceasing."

Intercession and Supplication

Interceding for others and presenting supplications before God were central to the prayers of the prophets and apostles. Their prayers were often selfless, focusing on the needs of their community and seeking divine intervention. Following their example involves praying for the well-being of others, asking for God's guidance, and seeking His mercy.

Scripture:

James 5:16 - "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

Boldness and Confidence

Boldness and confidence in prayer were evident in the lives of Elijah and the apostles. They approached God with the assurance that He would act powerfully on their behalf. Emulating their boldness means praying with courage, expressing our needs and desires openly, and expecting God's miraculous intervention.

Scripture:

Hebrews 4:16 - "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

Conclusion

The prayer lives of the prophets and apostles provide timeless examples for believers to follow. Their prayers were characterized by deep faith, unwavering commitment, and a profound connection with God. By emulating their examples, modern believers can develop a richer and more meaningful prayer life, drawing closer to the divine and experiencing the transformative power of prayer. As we journey through our spiritual lives, let us remember the lessons of the prophets and apostles, allowing their prayers to inspire and guide us in our own relationship with God.

Scripture:

Romans 15:4 - "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."