i. to remind us of the importance and efficacy of prayer in the early Church and
ii. to expose the dangers in the neglect to pray as a Christian.
Prayer is a means of communicating with God; adoring Him for who He is, thanking Him for what He hasdone, confessing one’s sins, asking His forgiveness, making petitions, and interceding for others. In our Bible passage today, we see the early Church interceding in prayer vigil for one of them who was to bekilled (Acts 12:5-7, 12).
1. Using the early Church as example, how would you describe a praying Church? Acts 1:14; 4:23-24, 29-31; 12:5-12.
2. Analyse the effect of neglect to prayer and the effect of prayer in Acts 12:1-4; 5-10 compare with Acts4:31.
3. What are some of the hindrances to effective prayer? Is.59:1-2; Mk.11:25-26; Jas 4:3-4.
4. Read Acts 12:12-16 again and critically discuss verses 14 and 15 in relation to unbelief in prayer and its effects.
The early Church started with prayer and continued in prayer. The effects of the efficacyof their prayers were enormous and became a major factor in setting people on the track to the kingdom of God.
No prayer no strength for victory!
Acts 4:31 "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they weregathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness".