They Continued Steadfastly In Prayer
by Harry Osborne
October 31, 2010
The New Testament church engaged in prayer to worship God. Jesus taught the disciples that prayer was an act of worship and reverence to God (Matt. 6:5-13). Our Lord's example in public and private prayer is instructive to us as well (Matt. 11:25f; Lk. 3:21; Jn. 11:41f; 17:1f; Lk. 5:16; 9:18; 22:41f). In Colossians 4:2-4, the church is commanded to pray. The Bible says the early church prayed together in worship (Acts 2:42; 4:24-31). Churches following the approved example as a pattern in their worship will give attention to do as they did. But what do we know about 1st century churches and prayer?
1) They "continued" in prayer (Acts 2:42). This suggests that prayer was not an occasional act with them, but a continual practice. Jesus taught His disciples that "they ought always to pray, and not to faint" (Lk. 18:1). By inspiration, Paul instructed the Thessalonians to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17). If Christian men must be "lifting up holy hands in every place," they must do so in the assembly of the saints (1 Tim. 2:8). The remainder of Acts as well as the epistles show clearly that Christians assembling to worship God in places other than Jerusalem and long after the first Pentecost following the resurrection also engaged in the practice of prayer as they gathered.
2) They were steadfast in prayer (Col. 4:2; Rom. 12:12). Steadfastness not only implies continuation of a practice, but also an unwavering effort that abides regardless of the situation, surroundings or opposition faced. This characterized all work commanded of Christians (1 Cor. 15:58). It was done "at all seasons" and with "all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" (Eph. 6:18). Even when civil powers were persecuting saints, the inspired writer said it was "good and acceptable" to keep on praying for them and all men (1 Tim. 2:1-4).
3) Their prayers addressed the deep needs of the time (Eph. 6:18-19). They prayed for the furtherance of the gospel and for the boldness of those who preached it (Col. 4:3). In sending men to preach that gospel, they prayed (Acts 13:3). By prayer, they were "helping together" with those who preached the word (2 Cor. 1:11). They gathered expressly to pray for Peter when he was imprisoned for preaching the truth (Acts 12:5,12). In appointing both elders and deacons, they prayed (Acts 14:23; 6:6). Elders prayed and wept when the beloved apostle left them saying he would see them no more (Acts 20:36-38). In all needs and blessings, they prayed (Phil 4:6).
4) They prayed for the forgiveness of sins on behalf of their brethren (Jas. 5:16). Notice the instruction to "confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another" is followed by a promise: "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." Prayer by the church on behalf of brethren guilty of sin was both authorized and effective in N.T. times.
5)They prayed in faith (Jas. 1:5-8). Since faith comes from the word of God (Rom. 10:17), their prayers were in harmony with truth. Faith also dispels doubt which makes any act of worship, prayer included, unacceptable to God.
When first century saints prayed acceptably to God, their prayers went up as sweet incense to His throne (Rev. 5:8; 8:3-4). We have the same opportunity today if we pray acceptably as they did. Let us never look lightly upon approaching God in prayer as we assemble together. We come before the Almighty when we do so. Let us address Him in reverence and praise, casting our needs and petitions before the heavenly Father knowing that He cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7).
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