Prayer in Acts: When Something Happens Prayer is There

Introduction

Today we are looking at a theme instead of looking at just one passage or two we are looking at a theme that spans the entire book of Acts. Yes we are back in acts for one last Sunday. And this is an Idea that I didn’t really get to discuss while we were journeying through the book. We get to Look at Prayer in the Book of Acts.

Prayer is mentioned over 30 times in the 28 chapters. We won’t be able to look at all the times it is mentioned but let’s look at a few to get a glimpse at the theme of prayer in this book.

The first time prayer is mentioned is in the very first chapter. Jesus has ascended into the sky and an angel tell them that Jesus will return some day (no date given) in the same way. So the disciples go to the upper room to await the gift from God The HOLY SPIRIT. And while they were in the upper room

Acts 1:14 (CSB)

14 They all were continually united in prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

Continually devoting themselves to prayer. And while in prayer Acts 1:24 they select a replacement for the betrayer Judas. So that they may be whole again as a group. They Pray to God and Matthias was selected.

Then chapter two while in this state of Prayer. The Holy Spirit Comes upon them Like tongues of Flame. And the word was preached and people believed. And as people came to Know Jesus the Christ (Messiah).

Acts 2:42 (CSB)

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

They continually devoted themselves to prayer and the Lord was adding to their numbers daily.

Skip ahead a bit chapter 6 when the disciples are choosing those who will be Deacons. Not heads of the church but those who are in charge of seeing to the poor and the widowed the hospitality ministers. They prayed and laid hands on them. As Cornelius was called to be one of the first Greeks to hear the news when Peter begins to speak the Good News to the Gentiles. Cornelius who was a God fearer but not Jew, Was Praying.

When Peter was arrested and the chains fell off of him at night and the doors swung open. The people were praying.

When Paul Healed He prayed

Acts 28:8 CSB

8 Publius’s father was in bed suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went to him, and praying and laying his hands on him, he healed him.

And It could Go on and On

Prayer is powerful force in the book of Acts. In fact every time we see a great act and moving of God we See Prayer. Prayer is the catalyst through with actions take place. And If you’re not praying then Nothing will happen.

What is Prayer?

As I say that we need to say what is Prayer.

Prayer is Speaking to God

Thanksgiving,

Praise,

Worship.

Prayer is Petition, a Request.

Confession

Intersession

Praying for others. One of the strongest prayers we can have Praying for others is support for the family.

Prayer is not

Vending machine

Santa

Get out of Jail Free confession

Confession is about repentance

Not about if I confess I can keep doing it

Formulated Speech

Magic Spell

Magically pray and then I don’t have to act. Ben Franklin said God helps them who help themselves because prayer not only does it work it often works by putting you in the mindset of acting on your prayers. Pray for someones salvation then you see the opportunity to tell them. Pray for Some ones health see the opportunity to help them. That doesn’t mean that you always have to be involved but often when we pray we act. Seek, Ask, Knock. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, Ask (pray), and knock (action).

Matthew 7:7–12 CSB

7 “Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 Who among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him. 12 Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Not Fear of Public Speaking

To many people are afraid of praying because they don’t know what to say. Need to fear God in reverent awe. Not fear about what you are going to Say. Because prayer comes from the heart not the head. Though praying from head like Lord’s prayer can help us. While we learn, But prayer comes from heart. Pray in our nephish, Our very being.

To many people stuck at the learning phase. Never move on, because they are not open with the father/king. Not putting on the belt of truth. Being honest with God and with ourselves

If You want something to happen

Need to be praying

Praying as a group

Praying as a individual

Set yourself to prayer

Make it a part of Your life

Real and honest prayer

Are you praying?