N EW D URHAM B APTIST C HURCH P ASTOR F RANK C UOZZO L ESSON 7 “T HE P RAYER L IFE OF THE F IRST C ENTURY C HURCH ”

Jesus taught His disciple to pray. Acts 1:12-14 says, “Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. 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. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.” Two types of Meetings in the First Century Church: -A Meeting where they gathered for worship and the teaching and preaching of the Word of God. -A Prayer Meeting. L ESSON 7: T HE P RAYER L IFE OF THE F IRST C ENTURY C HURCH

We are to pray to the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20 says, “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We are to look unto Jesus as we pray. Hebrews 12:2 says, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” Hebrews 8:1, “ Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum : We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.” When we pray in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, there is no higher name, no greater name by which we may pray!

The church prays collectively to the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ for specific needs. Praying shows our faith and dependency upon God. Lack of prayer shows a lack of faith and a dependency upon self. 1)The First Century Churched Declared It’s Absolute Dependence Upon God. Acts 1:14 says, “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.” The men and women came together and prayed and waited upon God to know what to do next.

2) The First Century Church Sought God for Laborers Through Prayer. Matthew 9:37-38 says, “Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” The Harvest is the world. We have not because we ask not. 3) The First Century Church Came Together as One Body in Agreement Through Prayer. Matthew 18:19-20, “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

4) The First Century Church Sought God’s Protection Through Prayer. In Matthew 26:41 Jesus said, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” We must pray for everyone and for everything as a church. 5) The First Century Church Had Increased Faith And Enlarged Vision Through Prayer. After being persecuted, the church prayed together and were emboldened to do more for God. Acts 4:23-29, “And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said,”

"Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.” They corporately looked towards heaven to God and simply said, “Thou are God!” As a result, their faith was increased and their vision enlarged.

6) The First Century Church Faced Great Trials Through Prayer. After James was killed, the persecutors went after Peter next. Acts 12:5 says, “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” Remember that Peter was miraculously delivered through prayer. Acts 12:12 says, “ And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.” 7) The First Century Church Sought God For Opportunities to Get Out The Gospel Through Prayer. Colossians 4:1-3 says, “Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds.”