Early Prayer

February 2

(Acts 2:42 NIV) "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship to the breaking of bread and to prayer."

(Acts 1:14 NIV) "They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers."

(Luke 18:1 NIV) "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up."

(Philippians 4:6 NIV) "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

(2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV) "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

The early church was not just about worship, teaching, miracles, and community -- it was also about prayer. They were devoted to prayer, and prayed constantly. They believed that prayer could change things. They saw it work in the lives of people. They prayed for the dead to be raised, and life returned to corpses. They prayed that their witness would draw others to Christ, and people came to the Lord in droves. They would even be seen praying as their bodies perished in the flames and as they were torn apart by wild beasts. They prayed together, and it changed the world. Prayer still changes things, and is vital to the church. We would be wise not to forsake it. The church has enemies who work against it on a daily basis. Will you be one who prays for the church daily? Will you take the time this week to join with other believers in prayer? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day