Acts is a bridge that takes us from theory to the practical application of all that Jesus began. All of His works are now facilitated through His Church, and nothing will overcome it. Every truth revealed in the writing of Acts demonstrates a Divine model from the Holy Spirit, which we too can take possession of today.
The Prayers of the Saints:
And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
Prayer is the sweet aroma of God’s dwelling place that God has made prayer possible to us through Jesus. We can pray prevailingly only as we respond to the truths which create the possibility: this is the “Yes and Amen” of God.
We say yes, and God says, “So be it!"
Prayer for some individuals may seem spurious, not that it is invalid, but because they cannot comprehend its possibilities. Prayer is only by God’s design to accomplish His purpose and His greater plan both in our lives and in eternity. Praying according to His will, the word says, is possible. Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but thine be done...”
The sphere of prayer includes the coming of the Kingdom of God and the provision of all the need of the saints.
"My God," said Paul, "shall supply all of your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
The provisions are abundant. John said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." - John 10:10 NKJV
So abundant provision comes only when prayers are biblical. I have always said and seen God affirming this statement, “Pray a biblical prayer and get biblical results.” That is exactly what Daniel did when he read Jeremiah’s prophecy of 70 years captivity, Daniel realized the time was drawing near, so he prayed according to that word, and God brought a monumental result.
Therefore, we need to know how to pray according to God’s design. God’s design can only be understood when prayer works in tandem with a mind and heart continually enlightened by the truth and principles of the Bible.
“Thus, all these constitute an integral part of the subject of the practice of prayer. Prayer is only possible to the revealed Father through the mediating Son by the inspiring Spirit. Prayer is only a prevailing power as, in the life, the child of God is loyal to His Kingship, satisfied with His provision, conformed to His likeness. Moreover, it can only be operative within the sphere revealed in the pattern of prayer” - G. Campbell Morgan.
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42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47 NKJV
There is a balance of several key dynamics in the church at Jerusalem in its infancy. The things they devoted their time to were: teaching, fellowship, service, and prayers.
Which resulted in:
- Godly fear both inside and outside the Church.
- Supernatural signs and wonders through those who led the church.
- Greater unity in the Body of Christ
- Serving one another’s needs.
- Worship became more defined and pronounced with greater intimacy both to Christ and each other.
- The Church grew.
All this flowed out of what I call the Discipleship Directive. This Directive is the key dynamics mentioned: the Apostles' doctrine, fellowship, service, and prayers. There are times that the things necessary for abundance seem redundant, and we feel like we are just going through the motions; yet the early church, Luke says, “continued steadfastly.” They had passion; they were resolute. They stuck to the model. It brought great success for the infant church, and it caused the world to be radically changed forever!
