When the enemy attacks we ought to drop to our knees. Prayer allows us to go boldly into the presence of God. It was just a prayer meeting but it moves the one who moves the world. Prayer is the key to the church and your life being on fire.

1. An effective prayer life

We need to learn to pray. We need to pray in our prayers. How is your “knee-ology”? Don’t overlook the difference prayer can make. It is the power of our prayers that make the difference. God rocked the cradle of the infant church! God rocked the earth to let them know that He heard them!

2. Prayer can transform your situation

It can be a problem in the home or church. Prayer can make a difference. Satan does not want you to go to God in prayer.

3. The confidence of mighty prayer

When the disciples pray, they are confident. When God’s people come together and pray something special happens. It is refreshing to meet with the people of God and pray with one accord. There was no strategy session. The first thing they do is lift up their voice to God. Prayer was a first option. They have confidence for two reasons:-

• God is the creator – God is a ruler without limit of power. Why should we be intimidated when God made it all! We are not the product of some random accident. God created the Earth, planets and stars. He is the creator. Man did not make up God. God made up man! How can we forget our maker? We can see it all around us and in the skies. God is the one who made us. This gives our prayer confidence. See Jeremiah 10:10-12 & 32:17.
• God is the controller – God has predetermined all things. God was not surprised when Jesus was put on the cross. God is running the show. God is in control. This gives us confidence when we pray. What goes on in your life is no surprise to God. We can have peace in the midst of the storm because God is still in control. You do not know what God is doing in your life? Don’t worry. God is still in control. We don’t always know what God is going to do. God is still in control. Providence means that God is in control from the start to the end. You may have had a funeral this week but God is still in control. Revelation is not necessary. God is in control!

4. The commitment of mighty prayer

Notice four things.

• They expected God’s work. (vs. 28). They were being threatened. They turned it over to God! They expected God to work.
• They expressed God’s word (vs. 29). They wanted to do the boldness to do the thing they were being told not to do. It was God’s command to boldly preach the Word.
• They extended God’s hand (vs. 30). Their hands would become God’s hand. See Acts 5:12. God wants to use your hands. He wants to use us for his work.
• They exalted God’s Son. (vs. 30). If you are going to pray, then pray in the name of Jesus. This is what wonderful prayer is all about. They pray expecting God to do something. Expect God to move! We are to come boldly! Are you scared to ask God?

This is what is wrong with some marriages and work life. Do you make time for prayer? This is where the power really is. Prayer can give you the power to deal with any challenge. With prayer, God is unleashed. Prayer is simple. It is not deep. You don’t need more knowledge, you need to pray!

5. The consequences of mighty prayer

Notice three amazing things.

• The Spirit is received. (vs. 31) This is a daily filling of the Spirit. How did they receive the Spirit? Did they speak in tongues or roll around on the ground? No! They just prayed. You do not need to go through a seven step plan to be filled by the Spirit. If you want to be filled – just pray! That’s all you need to do. It’s not hard – just pray!
• Unity is achieved. (vs. 32) Prayer brings people together. A church that is divided is a church that is not praying. A family that is falling apart is not praying.
• The Gospel is believed. (vs. 33) They had power to preach the Gospel and it was received by those who heard it.

That is the power of prayer! You don’t need a degree; know you Bible back to front or fast for a week. If you need God’s power all you need to do is pray!

Categories: Acts