Anyone who reads the Book of Acts can see the remarkable change in the prayer life of the disciples after the resurrection of Jesus. It is noted again after Pentecost. Please consider: Before the death of Jesus, the disciples slept while Jesus prayed in the Garden. Matt. 26:36-46
BUT AFTER HIS DEATH AND RESURRECTION –
1. They assembled in the Upper Room, waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit. And they prayed! We should always pray when assembled with other believers.
ACTS 1:13-14
13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren.
2. They prayed as they went from house to house.
ACTS 2:42-47
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
3. They prayed in the church when Peter was in prison.
ACTS 12:5
5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
4. Paul and Silas prayed (and sang) while they were in prison. Here, we see Christians praying in the presence of unbelievers – but not for the purpose of being heard of them! Never pray to please others who may be present – pray only to please God.
ACTS 16:25
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
5. The most important place to pray? Anywhere you can be alone with God!
MATTHEW 6:6
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
6. We are instructed to pray in all places and at all times.
1 TIMOTHY 2:8
8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
What joy it is indeed, to be able to talk with God, any time, any place and under any conditions or circumstances – and know that He will hear and answer!
Coming up next – hindrances to prayer.
The Vine Vigil 