The Praying Church

I. Introduction

What is the Church of Jesus Christ?

• Jesus’ Promise of the Church

• The Apostolic Gospel

• The Body of Christ

• The Apostles' Doctrine (Part 1)

• The Fellowship of the Church

• The Breaking of Bread

II. The activity of the original church

Acts 2:42 CSB

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.

Definition of “devote” from Louw-Nida: to continue to do something with intense effort, with the possible implication of despite difficulty– ‘to devote oneself to, to keep on, to persist in.’

III. Why does the church need to pray?

A. Prayer is God’s command

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 CSB

Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 4:2 CSB

Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving.

B. Jesus modeled a life of prayer

Luke 3:21–22 CSB

When all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized. As he was praying, heaven opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in a physical appearance like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.”

Luke 5:16 CSB

Yet he often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.

Luke 6:12 CSB

During those days he went out to the mountain to pray and spent all night in prayer to God.

Mark 1:35 CSB

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up, went out, and made his way to a deserted place; and there he was praying.

C. We have assurance and access to God’s throne

1. Assurance

Hebrews 10:19 CSB

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus—

Hebrews 10:11–12 CSB

Every priest stands day after day ministering and offering the same sacrifices time after time, which can never take away sins. But this man, after offering one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God.

2. Access

Ephesians 2:13–14 CSB

But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In his flesh,

Ephesians 2:18 CSB

For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

Closing

Hebrews 4:16 CSB

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