Topical Encyclopedia Social and family prayer holds a significant place in the life and teachings of the disciples of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament. The practice of communal prayer among the disciples is a reflection of their commitment to fellowship, unity, and spiritual growth, as well as their reliance on divine guidance and strength.Prayer in the Early Church The Book of Acts provides numerous accounts of the disciples engaging in social prayer. After Jesus' ascension, the disciples gathered together in an upper room in Jerusalem, devoting themselves to prayer. Acts 1:14 states, "They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers." This verse highlights the inclusivity and communal nature of early Christian prayer, involving both men and women in the practice. The disciples' commitment to prayer is further exemplified in Acts 2:42 , which describes the early church's devotion to "the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This passage underscores the integral role of prayer in the life of the early Christian community, serving as a foundation for their spiritual and communal activities. Prayer for Guidance and Decision-Making The disciples frequently turned to prayer when faced with important decisions. In Acts 1:24-25 , before selecting Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot, the disciples prayed, "Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place." This instance illustrates their dependence on God's wisdom and direction in making critical choices. Similarly, in Acts 13:2-3 , the church in Antioch engaged in prayer and fasting before commissioning Barnabas and Saul for missionary work: "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off." This passage highlights the role of prayer in discerning and affirming God's call for ministry. Prayer in Times of Persecution and Crisis The disciples also relied on prayer during times of persecution and crisis. In Acts 4:24-31 , after Peter and John were released from custody, the believers raised their voices together in prayer, asking for boldness to continue proclaiming the gospel. The passage records, "When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly." This event demonstrates the power of collective prayer in seeking divine intervention and empowerment. In Acts 12:5 , when Peter was imprisoned, "the church was fervently praying to God for him." The subsequent miraculous release of Peter from prison, as described in Acts 12:6-17, serves as a testament to the efficacy of communal prayer in overcoming adversity. Family Prayer and Household Faith While the New Testament does not provide explicit examples of family prayer among the disciples, the emphasis on household faith is evident. Acts 16:31-34 recounts the conversion of the Philippian jailer and his household: "They replied, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.' ... Then immediately he and all his household were baptized." This narrative suggests that the early Christian message often permeated entire households, likely fostering a culture of family prayer and devotion. The disciples' practice of social and family prayer reflects their understanding of prayer as a vital means of maintaining a close relationship with God, seeking His guidance, and fostering unity within the community of believers. Through prayer, they experienced divine intervention, guidance, and empowerment, which were essential for the growth and perseverance of the early church. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 1:13,14And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where stayed 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Solidarity of the Human Family The Christian Prayer The Friend at Midnight. The Privilege of Prayer The Power of Prayer in Relation to Outward Circumstances. Disciples of Christ; Sometimes Called Campbellites, or Reformers. 'Our Father' The Cross as a Social Principle Chapter twenty-nine The Social Test of Religion Resources Why is daily prayer important? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a prayer vigil? | GotQuestions.org What are the different types of prayer? | GotQuestions.org Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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