A praying church is one that recognizes prayer as one of its foundational functions. It is prepared to sacrifice the time and comfort that earnest prayer sometimes necessitates. It spontaneously and specifically prays in times of need. Its leaders are committed pray-ers, and are prepared to set this example to others. Prayer is not an optional extra for a church. Paul's letters contain many encouragements for churches to pray, particularly for the spread of the Gospel and the growth of the church. Of course all churches believe in prayer in their service, but few provide opportunity for the development of prayer in the life of its members, either personally or corporately. Yet prayer was one of the four principles on which the life of the early church was based (Acts 2:42). As a result, the church at Jerusalem grew.
It was born in prayer - After Christ's ascension the disciples met together to pray, and it seems that they continued praying until the Holy Spirit was poured out (Acts 1:14; 2:1, 11).
It was devoted to prayer - Daily they met in each others' homes to fellowship, break bread, be taught and pray (Acts 2:42-27). As a consequence God added daily to the believing community.
Its response to crisis was to pray - Restrictions were placed on the apostles by the authorities. They were told not to preach in the name of Jesus. Their response was to meet together to pray for more boldness and more evidence of God's power. No wonder the house shook. Acts 4:23-31).
Its response to criticism was to prioritize prayer - Ethnic loyalties seemed to override need. The Grecian widows were getting neglected. It was also a question of priorities. As the Believers grew rapidly, the needs consequently increased. So how did the leaders handle complaints? They ensured their priorities as leaders were right: "We will give our attention to prayer and the word". It would be refreshing if the response to complaints was to pray. (Acts 6:1-6).
Its response to unusual blessing was to 'export' prayer - Samaria had accepted the Gospel through Philip's preaching. God's power brought healing, deliverance and great joy to the city. So the Jerusalem church sent Peter and John to the new believers, who prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. This seems to be the main purpose of their visit (Acts 8:14-17)
It sacrificed to pray - When Peter was put in prison again, the church called an all night prayer meeting. Anything that threatened to curtail the spread of the Gospel and the growth of the church inspired urgent prayer. Desperate need required desperate measures. God intervened through an angelic deliverance! (Acts 12:5-18).
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