Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8600 Prayer and worship of the believer  »  8602 prayer  »  8619 prayer, in the church

The prayer life of the NT provides a pattern from which the modern church can learn, both in terms of the importance of prayer, and also matters for prayer.

Prayer was at the centre of the life of the early church

They prayed when they met together

Acts 1:14 See also Acts 2:42; Acts 4:23-31; Acts 12:12; Acts 20:36; Acts 21:5

They prayed about the selection and ordination of Christian leaders

Acts 13:2-3 See also Acts 1:24-25; Acts 6:6; Acts 14:23

They prayed during persecution

Acts 12:5 See also Acts 7:59-60; Acts 12:12; Acts 16:22-25

They prayed for healing

Acts 9:40 See also Acts 28:7-8

The apostles' teaching on prayer in church life

The importance of prayer

Colossians 4:2 See also Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Timothy 2:1; 1 Peter 4:7

Prayer for the spread of the gospel

Colossians 4:3-4 See also Ephesians 6:19-20; 2 Thessalonians 3:1

Prayer for the sick

James 5:14

Prayer for sinners

1 John 5:16-17 See also James 5:16

Prayer for God's servants

Romans 15:30 See also 2 Corinthians 1:11

Orderly conduct of public prayer

1 Corinthians 11:4-5 See also 1 Corinthians 11:13-15

The practice of the apostles

Prayer was central to their ministry

Acts 6:3-4

They prayed for the church

Colossians 1:9-10 See also Ephesians 1:16-21; Ephesians 3:16-19; Philippians 1:9-11; Colossians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

See also

7028  church, life of
8638  benedictions