Waiting in Jerusalem
Acts 1:12–14
Before Pentecost, the disciples gathered together in unity and devoted themselves to prayer while waiting for the promise Jesus had given.
Read Acts 1Prayer Resources
Prayer in the Book of Acts
The Book of Acts reveals a church that depended upon God through prayer. Before important decisions, during persecution, while sending missionaries, and in times of joy and difficulty, believers continually sought the Lord together.
The Early Church
A Church That Prayed
One of the most noticeable characteristics of the early church was its dependence upon God through prayer. Prayer was not reserved for special occasions. It was woven into the daily life of the believers. They prayed before making decisions, while facing persecution, when appointing leaders, before beginning ministry, and during times of worship.
As you read Acts, notice that prayer often comes before God moves in remarkable ways. While every situation is different, the early church consistently demonstrated faith, unity, and dependence upon the Lord.
What can today's church learn from the prayer life of the believers in Acts?
Prayer Throughout Acts
Moments That Shaped the Early Church
From the opening chapter to the closing verses, prayer remained central to the life of the early church. Whether believers were waiting, worshiping, suffering, serving, or facing difficult decisions, they continually sought the Lord together. As you read these passages, notice how prayer strengthened their faith and prepared them for God's work.
A Praying Church
Acts 2:42
The first believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers, establishing a pattern for the growing church.
Read Acts 2Praying for Boldness
Acts 4:23–31
After facing opposition, the believers gathered to pray. Rather than asking for safety, they asked God for boldness to continue proclaiming His Word.
Read Acts 4Choosing Servants
Acts 6:1–6
The apostles prayed before appointing faithful men to serve the church, demonstrating dependence upon God's wisdom.
Read Acts 6Peter in Prison
Acts 12
While Peter was imprisoned, the church prayed earnestly for him, trusting God even during a time of great uncertainty.
Read Acts 12Sending Missionaries
Acts 13:1–3
Before Barnabas and Saul began their missionary journey, the church fasted, prayed, and committed them to the work God had called them to do.
Read Acts 13Praise in Prison
Acts 16:25
Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God while imprisoned, demonstrating unwavering faith even in suffering.
Read Acts 16Prayer Before Farewell
Acts 20:36
As Paul prepared to depart from the Ephesian elders, they knelt together in prayer, entrusting one another to God's care.
Read Acts 20A Pattern Worth Following
What Prayer Meant to the Early Church
Prayer was not an isolated event in the Book of Acts. It was part of the daily rhythm of the church. Believers prayed together in times of worship, before making important decisions, while facing persecution, when sending missionaries, and during seasons of rejoicing. Their dependence upon God reminds us that prayer is not merely preparation for ministry. Prayer is ministry.
As you continue reading Acts, notice how often prayer precedes important moments in the life of the church. Their confidence was never placed in their own strength but in God's faithfulness and power.
Continue in Prayer
Following the Example of Acts
The Book of Acts reminds us that prayer was never treated as an occasional activity. It was woven into the life of the church and the lives of individual believers. Before decisions were made, before missionaries were sent, during times of persecution, and while worshipping together, God's people continually sought Him in prayer.
While our circumstances may be different today, the invitation remains the same. Continue seeking the Lord faithfully. Spend time in His Word, pray with humility and thanksgiving, encourage other believers, and trust Him to guide your life each day.
Pray without ceasing.1 Thessalonians 5:17