10 powerful prayers that the book of Acts teaches us

10 powerful prayers that the book of Acts teaches us

Prayer played a very important role in the life of the first century church. In the book of Acts, Luke describes many instances where believers prayed to God in the name of Jesus. I'm sure these are just isolated passages from the prayer life of the early church, but we can learn a lot from them.

Pray about everything and always.

There is no better time than right now to learn how to become a prayer soldier. Here are ten powerful prayers we see in Acts.

Waiting prayer. Acts 1:14

"All these were always praying and supplicating together with the women, and with Mary the mother of Jesus, and with her brothers."

The first prayer in Acts is the common prayer. The apostles and women who followed Jesus gathered together in a room where they constantly stood and prayed. They were filled with the promises of the Lord Jesus Christ, waiting for the Holy Spirit He had promised them.

When we are waiting for something that God has promised us, whether it is in our personal lives or for all believers in the promises of Scripture, we must cultivate the habit of prayer.

Prayer for the election of leaders and teachers. Acts 1:24:25

"And praying, they said: You, Lord, know the heart of everything. Let one of these two be known, whom you have chosen to take the lot of this office and mission, from which Judas fell to take his place."

God knows the hearts of men, and He knows who is fit for His service as the leader and shepherd of His people. He helps us when we are faced with the need to make an important leadership decision.

Should we pray to Him about it first? Of course.

Prayer for the courage to evangelize the Word of God. Acts 4:29-30

"And now, Lord, look upon their menace, and grant thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness; that you may stretch out your hand for healing and signs and wonders in the name of your holy Son Jesus."

After Peter and John were strictly forbidden to speak the name of Jesus, the believers prayed, raising their voices to God, crying out to Him, asking Him to strengthen them so that they could continue to proclaim the message of Jesus.

The book of Acts teaches us to pray for courage when we face fear or any kind of censorship. We must pray that God will give us the grace to be courageous when our time comes to stand for His name.

Prayer for those who are chosen to serve in the church. Acts 6:6

"They stood before the apostles. and lay hands on them in prayer."

The apostles, seeing the need for ministers in the growing church, chose people. Moreover, they choose the worthy ones and pray to God to bless them.

Do we pray enough about our decisions? Do we pray for the ministers of the church?

Pray for the renewal of their strength in the ministry for which God has chosen them.

Prayer for those who mistreat us and persecute us. Acts 7:59

And he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice. Lord, do not consider that sin for them. and having said this, fell asleep."

In the last minutes of his life, Stephen prayed that God would show His mercy and forgive those who were guilty of his death. What amazing love we see in Stephen's behavior!

He exemplifies the image of Christ that we should all strive to reflect for those who wish us harm and those who cause us pain. It is necessary to have love so that we can turn the other cheek, and we must learn to pray for the repentance of those who persecute us.

Prayer for healing and miracles that only God can perform. Acts 9:40

"And Peter took everything out, knelt down and prayed. and turned to the body and said. Tabitha, get up. and he opened his eyes. and when Peter saw him, he sat up straight.

There are not many examples of people returning to physical life, even in Scripture. But those stories are written in this book to teach us to trust God for the impossible. He is able to heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, restore the broken hearted. He can cancel death. He has abolished death forever for those who believe in Jesus Christ.

God can do things that are impossible for us according to His will and our faith. Should we pray for the impossible? Should we pray when doctors tell someone close to us that they only have a few days to live? Of course.

Pray because nothing is impossible for God.

Prayer of praise. Acts 11:18

"And when they heard these things, they kept silent and glorified God, saying, therefore, God gave repentance for life to the Gentiles as well."

The believers in Jerusalem praised God for granting salvation to both Jews and Gentiles.

Praising God for His goodness is one form of prayer that Acts teaches us. We have many reasons to thank and praise God, and in our prayers we should rejoice in the wonderful grace He shows us all.

Intercessory prayer for persecuted Christians. Acts 12:5

"And Peter was kept in prison, but for him there was constant prayer from the church to God."

Peter was thrown into prison because of the name of Jesus, and while he was in those bonds, it is written that the believers prayed for him without ceasing. The church supported Peter in prayer. Intercession for other people who are persecuted is another prayer that Acts teaches us.

Pray fervently for persecuted Christians around the world.

Prayer for missionaries sent by the church. Acts 13:3

"Then they fasted and prayed, laid hands on them and released them."

The elders of Antioch prayed for Paul and Barnabas before they sent them on their first missionary journey. Church teachers teach us to pray for those who are called to take the Gospel to the nations.

Let us pray for the missionaries, for the News entrusted to them, and for the people with whom they will share that Good News. We must pray for divine protection and salvation of souls.

A prayer when all things come to an end... Acts 59

"And they stoned Stepannos, who called and said: Lord Jesus, receive my soul."

Our last prayer on this side of eternity, when all is said and done and we are ready to meet Jesus in His glory, should be: "Lord, please receive my soul."

What great comfort we have in knowing that Jesus is ready to receive us into eternal life with Him!

Florztel