Series: Why we need The Church Sermon (6)

The Power of Prayer

Acts 2:42 (LEB)

And they were devoting themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayers.

(I) The Early Church Spent much Time in Prayer.

A. There was a spiritual lack that they knew when they didn’t spend adequate time.

The Story of a demon that the Disciples attemped to cast out.

There was a reason why they could not help this certain man

This reveals the power of prayer

Text: They dovoted themselves to Prayer Verse 42...

There is two types of Praying:

Fellowship - Together in Partnership

Isaiah 56:7 (LEB)

I will bring them to my holy mountain; I will make them merry in my house of prayer. their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar, for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples,”

b. Closet Praying

Matthew 6:6 LEB

But whenever you pray, enter into your inner room and shut your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

B. The Text reveals the Power of Fellowship Praying - Together.

There is a Promise in 2 Chr 7 that has an emphasis on praying together?

2 Chronicles 7:14 (LEB)

then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and will pray and will seek my face and will turn from their evil ways, then I myself shall hear from the heavens and will forgive their sins and heal their land.

2. Jesus when was facing the most critical moment - the death on the cross asked his Disciples to pray with Him (not closet praying)

3. Unfortunately they let him down ....?

4. Jesus spoke these profound words “could you not pray with me?”

Mark 14:37 (LEB)

And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not pray with me one hour?”

5. With me …together ....not on your own?

a. Disciples went to pray together ?

b. Why - there is a divine dimension imparted.

c. Yes you can pray at home... we all can ..but your missing something?

Acts 3:1 (LEB)

Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.

Acts 4:24 (LEB)

And when they heard it, they lifted their voices with one mind to God and said, “Master, you are the one who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things in them,

Acts 1:14 (LEB)

All these were busily engaged with one mind in prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus and with his brothers.

(II) The Early Church had influence through much praying.

A. Several events reveal the power of Fellowship Praying

Pentecost

Acts 2:1–4 (LEB)

And when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in the same place. And suddenly a sound like a violent rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. And divided tongues like fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit gave them ability to speak out.

2. The Confirmation of God on fellowship praying …happened when the building shook.

3. This was God smiling on the people of God when they joined in partnership in Prayer

4. Reason: prayer makes the soul responsive and more open to the Holy Spirit and helps you hear from God ...

5. Another words it tunes your soul .....prayer makes in more responsive to the influence of God

“your kingdom come; your will be done”

a. Peter was revealed God’s will whilst in prayer

b. The Gospel would not have gone to the Gentiles

c. God spoke to Peter in Prayer

B. Prayer is the release of power and success in the believers Life.

1. Testimony: Ps W. Mitchell was asked the secret of his life of success …he answered and said three words - pray, pray and pray.

2. Quote: Henry Drummond tells of a young lady who was prepossessing and attractive. When asked for the secret, each time she refused to reveal it, always replying, “Wait until I am dead, then pry open the locket which hangs about my neck, and you will discover the secret.” When at last she died, they pried open the locket and found this verse of Scripture, “Whom having not seen I love

3. Quote: “The biggest farce in the modern church is the prayer meeting. It was the biggest victory the Devil ever won when he got the church to give up prayer.”

4. Prayer is the Key ....that God has released to see answers …no other means has he given but praying.

Matthew 21:22 LEB

And whatever you ask in prayer, if you believe, you will receive.”

5. Thought: the God who put in us the instinct to Prayer ; wants to answer our Prayers.....

a. This is why the first Church devoted themselves to Prayer

b. They knew something of its importance

Acts 6:4 LEB

But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

6. Quote : (The Hidden Life of Prayer) “Prayer is the breath of the new creature;” and George Herbert, “Prayer…the soul’s blood.

Romans 12:12 (LEB)

rejoicing in hope, enduring in affliction, being devoted to prayer,

Quote (Billy Sunday)

“What paralysis the lack of prayer has brought on the church today! There was the grasshopper siege in Minnesota when ex-Gov. Pillsbury appointed a day of fasting and prayer for relief. God answered their prayer.”

7. Look at History - you will find there any powerful awaking and revival is rooted in much prayer.

a. Pentecost was doused in prayer ....a praying people ....released God

b. Abraham prayed for a promise Child and God gave him Isaac

Quote: “Phillips Brooks said that prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance, but a laying hold of His willingness.

(III) The Power of Prayer when we Pray:

A. Umlimited

Natural process of lfe is limited.

Prayer is the unlimited

Jeremiah 33:3 (LEB)

‘Call to me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great things and inaccessible things that you have not known.’

3. We see three levels of unlimited Prayer

a. Call unto me - God’s level unlited (prayer commanded)

b. Second: an answer promised “and I will answer you”

c. Third: faith encouraged “I will show you great and mighty things”

“the prayer of faith shall save the sick”

4. The Wrestle is with Unbelief “what will change if you pray?”

5. Truth: everything can change when we pray.....

“they devoted themselves to apostles doctrine, fellowship, and prayers..”

6. This is why God says - “call unto me..call unto me”

Testimony: Praying to go to Prescott ......asking God to make it possible …Ps Payne rings me one week later and said he wanted to Sponser me and Carol to Prescott ....Praise God

Psalm 55:22 (LEB)

Cast your burden on Yahweh, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 LEB

pray constantly,

Hebrews 4:16 LEB

Therefore let us approach with confidence to the throne of grace, in order that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.