Series Summary

One of the greatest tools we have in our spiritual arsenal is the ability to pray to a Father in Heaven who is willing to listen to us. And yet, many Christians don’t seem to know how to pray, or even why to pray. Sometimes, we neglect this incredible opportunity, and we continue to operate by our own strength… which doesn’t work well, or for long. The Bible has a lot to say about the topic of prayer: why it’s so important, what to pray for, how to pray effectively, and so much more. In this series, we’ll dig into some of those passages and learn more about prayer… so that we can pray better.

Sermon Summary

One of the most remarkable characteristics of the early church was the way believers came together in prayer. From the very beginning, prayer was woven into the fabric of their community. They were united in their dependence on God and were committed to seeking him together. Their unity wasn’t built on having identical personalities, preferences, or opinions. It was built on a common faith in Jesus Christ and a shared understanding that they needed God’s wisdom, strength, and guidance.

There’s something powerful about a church that prays together. Prayer shifts our attention away from ourselves and toward the One who holds everything together. It’s difficult to remain focused on our own personal preferences when we’re sincerely asking God to accomplish his purposes among us. When believers pray together, our hearts begin to align with God’s heart, and that changes how we see one another. And when we pray together, we’re reminded of something that the early church understood: prayer isn’t simply one of the activities of the church; it’s an essential expression of our dependence on God.

Imagine what could happen if we approached prayer with that same sense of purpose and unity. What if, instead of treating prayer as a last resort, we made it our first response? What if we spent as much time praying for one another as we do talking about our problems? What if our church became known not simply for what we do, but for how faithfully we seek God together? When God’s people are united in prayer, we are reminded that the strength of the church has never been found in ourselves… It comes from the God we serve.