8619 prayer, in the church

The prayer life of the NT provides a pattern from which the modern church can learn, both in terms of the importance of prayer, and also matters for prayer.

Prayer was at the centre of the life of the early church

They prayed when they met together Ac 1:14 See also Ac 2:42; Ac 4:23-31; Ac 12:12; Ac 20:36; Ac 21:5

They prayed about the selection and ordination of Christian leaders Ac 13:2-3 See also Ac 1:24-25; Ac 6:6; Ac 14:23

They prayed during persecution Ac 12:5 See also Ac 7:59-60; Ac 12:12; Ac 16:22-25

They prayed for healing Ac 9:40 See also Ac 28:7-8

The apostles’teaching on prayer in church life

The importance of prayer Col 4:2 See also Ro 12:12; Eph 6:18; 1Th 5:17; 1Ti 2:1; 1Pe 4:7

Prayer for the spread of the gospel Col 4:3-4 See also Eph 6:19-20; 2Th 3:1

Prayer for the sick Jas 5:14

Prayer for sinners 1Jn 5:16-17 See also Jas 5:16

Prayer for God’s servants Ro 15:30 See also 2Co 1:11

Orderly conduct of public prayer 1Co 11:4-5 See also 1Co 11:13-15

The practice of the apostles

Prayer was central to their ministry Ac 6:3-4

They prayed for the church Col 1:9-10 See also Eph 1:16-21; Eph 3:16-19; Php 1:9-11; Col 1:3; 1Th 1:2; 2Th 1:11-12

See also