ON
OUR KNEES – LEARNING FROM MEN OF PRAYER
THE EARLY CHURCH IN PRAYER - LESSON #8
(A COMPLETE LESSON)
INTERACTION
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Have you ever seen God answer corporate prayers?
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What are some positive things to be said for corporate
prayer?
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Why are corporate prayers sometimes ineffective?
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Why do our minds wander when someone else is praying?
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What are some of the things we should be praying for
corporately?
Our study of men of
prayer takes us to the Book of Acts. We
want to see prayers that were made corporately, that is, as a group, which
often included the ladies as well. These examples give us good examples of what
we should ask for when we pray as a group.
PRAYER FOR GUIDANCE
Acts 1:24-25 - And
they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew
whether of these two thou hast chosen, [25] That he may take part of this
ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might
go to his own place.
·
The Apostles were choosing a replacement for Judas.
They asked God for guidance as they cast lots.
This was the last record of casting lots in the Scripture.
·
When are some of the times when corporate prayer
should be made for guidance in a local church?
·
What are some decisions that churches have made
without truly seeking the Lord’s guidance?
·
Why is it a travesty when churches make decisions
without seeking guidance from the Lord?
PRAYER OF POWER
Acts 4:31 - And
when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together;
and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God
with boldness.
·
Peter and John had been threatened not to preach the
Gospel. Acts 4: 18-21
·
Prayer was made, not for deliverance, but for boldness
and power. Acts 4:23-30
·
Preaching and teaching God’s Word are arguably the
most important activities that take place in this church.
1 Corinthians 1:18 - For
the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us
which are saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:21 - For
after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased
God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach
the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all
longsuffering and doctrine.
·
Exactly what should be prayed for before any service?
·
What part should the Holy Spirit have in preaching and
teaching?
PRAYER OF LEADERS
Acts 6:4 - But we will give
ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
· Why should leaders
especially pray?
· How can leaders, such as
a pastor or elders, be freed up to pray?
· How would allowing
leaders more time to pray change a church?
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Acts 6:6 - Whom
they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands
on them.
Acts 14:23 - And
when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with
fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
Acts 13:3 - And
when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them
away.
·
Deacons, elders, and missionaries were prayed over
when their ministry began.
·
What value are prayers of dedication to the one
receiving them?
·
What value are prayers of dedication to God?
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION
Acts 12:5 - Peter
therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church
unto God for him.
·
Why should persecuted Christians be of concern to us?
Hebrews 13:3 - Remember
them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as
being yourselves also in the body.
·
How can we better remember to pray for persecuted
Christians?
PRAYER OF DELIVERANCE
Acts 16:25 - And
at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners
heard them.
·
Why were Paul and Silas in jail and what was their
physical condition?
·
Why do you think praising God was a key to their
deliverance?
·
How will prayerful and joyful reaction to adversity
affect others?
·
Consider what great things God might do if we handled
adversity the way Paul and Silas did!
PRAYER OF COMMITMENT
Acts 20:36 - And
when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
·
Paul was leaving the Ephesian leaders, not to see them
again.
·
He had given them instruction and warning.
·
Then he prayed with them. I believe that he was committing their
well-being and ministry to God.
·
What are some times when we need to stop what we’re
doing and have prayer with someone?
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SERMONS INDEX