1.According to Acts 1:8, Jesus gave the apostles a specific plan for carrying out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16). 2.As Luke showed how this plan was implemented in Acts, he also wrote about a number of conversions that occurred. 3.Studying these conversions helps us understand how we become Christians today. 4.Luke also mentioned a number of activities in which the early Christians participated. 5.Studying these activities helps us understand the Lord's will for Christians today. 6.One activity was prayer.
A.He prayed often (Luke 5:16; 6:12; 22:41-44). B.He also taught His followers to pray (Luke 11:1-4; 18:1). C.His emphasis on prayer continued to influence His followers after He ascended to heaven (Acts 1:13-14).
II.PRAYERWASEMPHASIZEDINTHECHURCH
A.The members of the Jerusalem congregation "continued steadfastly" in "prayers" (Acts 2:42). 1.Steadfastness in prayer is taught in Romans 12:12; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17. 2.Various types of prayers are listed in 1 Timothy 2:1. B.The Christians in Jerusalem prayed after Peter and John were released from custody (Acts 4:31). C.The apostles were devoted to prayer (Acts 6:4). D.Prayer was offered when the seven men were appointed to serve the Jerusalem congregation (Acts 6:6). E.The apostles prayed when they laid their hands on Christians so they could receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17). F.Christians were taught to pray for forgiveness (Acts 8:22-24; James 5:16; 1 John 1:9). G.The Christians in Jerusalem prayed when Peter was in custody (Acts 12:5, 12). H.The Christians in Antioch prayed when they sent Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey (Acts 13:2-3). I.Paul and Barnabas prayed when they appointed elders (Acts 14:23). J.Paul and Silas prayed in prison (Acts 16:25; Philippians 4:6; James 5:13). K.Paul prayed with Christians when he departed from them (Acts 20:36; 21:5).
