The Priority of Praying Together

Acts 6:1-7 – 1 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. Those who spoke Greek complained against those who spoke Hebrew, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. “We apostles should spend our time preaching and teaching the word of God, not administering a food program,” they said. 3 “Now look around among yourselves, brothers, and select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. We will put them in charge of this business. 4 Then we can spend our time in prayer and preaching and teaching the word.” 5 This idea pleased the whole group, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (a Gentile convert to the Jewish faith, who had now become a Christian). 6 These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them. 7 God’s message was preached in ever-widening circles. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too. (New Living Translation)

Proof that Praying Churches Are Used of God to Change the World

1. Praying together was a ________________ for the Apostles

▸ They showed it was a priority by _______________________

Acts 1:14, 24 – 14 They all met together continually for prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. . . . 24 Then they all prayed for the right man to be chosen. “O Lord,” they said, “you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen . . . (New Living Translation)

Acts 2:42 – They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord’s Supper and in prayer. (New Living Translation)

Acts 4:23-24 – 23 As soon as they were freed, Peter and John found the other believers and told them what the leading priests and elders had said. 24 Then all the believers were united as they lifted their voices in prayer: . . . 31 After this prayer, the building where they were meeting shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. And they preached God’s message with boldness. (New Living Translation)

2. Praying together was ___________________________ and _____________________________ by Jesus

Matthew 7:7 – Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Matthew 18:19 – I promise that when any two of you on earth agree about something you are praying for, my Father in heaven will do it for you. (Contemporary English Version)

3. Praying together _____________________ God to work in mighty ways

▸ God’s mighty work in the New Testament

Acts 1:13, 2:1 – 13 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: . . . 2:1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (New King James Version)

Acts 1:24 – Then they all prayed for the right man to be chosen. “O Lord,” they said, “you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen . . . (New Living Translation)

Acts 4:24, 31 – 24 Then all the believers were united as they lifted their voices in prayer: . . . 31 After this prayer, the building where they were meeting shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. And they preached God’s message with boldness. (New Living Translation)

Acts 12:5 – But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him. (New Living Translation)

Acts 16:25 – Around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. (New Living Translation)

▸ God’s mighty work in church history

▸ God’s mighty work today