The Importance of Church Prayer

# 46 Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 1Ti 2:1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,” Whenever we see the word “therefore” in Scripture, we need to ascertain what the “therefore” is “there for.” In this case it is tied into the Apostolic office of Paul and his handing down of instructions to the next generation of leaders in the church. These are instructions that had been given to Paul by Jesus Himself as it regards how we are to do church. Notice what is first on the agenda. Prayer! Remember when Jesus cleansed the temple? He said in Mt 21:13, “It is written, in Isaiah56:7) 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you have made it a 'den of thieves.'" Prayer! It is vital! It is “first of all” things mentioned to Timothy to carry on in the churches. Are supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks a regular part of your worship services? The church has always been bathed in prayer, and Jesus was our example! Lu 5:16 says, “So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” The disciples observed Jesus praying often. They knew it was important and so they asked Him in Lu 11:1, “"Lord, teach us to pray,” And so He gave His church what we call the Lord's Prayer. When the disciples were in the upper room waiting for the promised Holy Spirit they prayed! Ac 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. In Acts 2:42 we read, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” And when they were threatened by the authorities, what did they do? Ac 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. You get the idea. You cannot separate the church from prayer. It is vital! No wonder Paul says, “I exhort you first of all!” Christians pray! Churches pray! It's a major part of who we are and what we do. When we cease praying, we cease being the church God intended us to be.....namely a people acknowledge their dependence on Him for all things.