Today, we are going to be studying the Apostolic Prayers, learning what they are and why they matter.
Every time I read the book of Acts, I discover something new, and it fills me with joy.
The Apostles dedicated their lives to sharing Jesus’ message. They faced many challenges, but their faith stayed strong even when the government and Jewish leaders put them under great pressure and tested them.
We can learn a lot from how the Apostles worked with God. We should learn from their mistakes and focus on the same things they did to grow in sharing Christ’s message.
Let’s look at how the Apostles showed us to pray with depth, clear purpose, and in line with God’s will.
ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
We will take our opening text from the book of Acts 6 vs 4 which says: But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the Word. (KJV)
This tells us of the certain lifestyle or characteristics that the Apostles had, they were given to prayer always and the ministry of the Word.
In Acts 3:1, “Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour”. This means that Peter and John had a regular hour of prayer.
In Acts 2:42, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers”.
The foundation of prayer laid down for us by the Apostles was also a pattern seen in the life of Jesus Christ. Jesus our saviour was given to prayer for example:
At the baptism, Jesus was praying (Luke 3 vs 21), Jesus had a pattern of praying early hours of the morning, (Mark 1 vs 35), and he also had the habit of praying through the night and evening as seen in (Matthew 14 vs23).
Even before Jesus worked miracles most times, you would notice he was given to prayer or he prayed vehemently.
At the crucifixion, Jesus was also found praying in (Luke 26 vs 39 – 42).
Prayer was essential to Jesus, who embodied divinity in human form. As his followers, we should recognize our even greater need for this spiritual practice and strive to emulate his example.
So, what are Apostolic Prayers? Apostolic Prayers are powerful and significant petitions found in the New Testament, primarily in the letters written by the apostles such as Paul, Peter, and John, and they cover a wide range of themes including spiritual growth, unity among believers, increased knowledge of God, and the advancement of God’s kingdom.
Why is the Apostolic Prayers important? They are important because they can enrich our spiritual journey, providing a framework for more purposeful and biblically grounded intercession.
Examining the New Testament, particularly the epistles, reveals that the Apostles’ prayers were notably selfless.
Unlike many modern supplications that emphasize personal desires or material gain, their petitions focused on broader spiritual concerns and the welfare of others.
APOSTOLIC PRAYERS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
Below are some examples of Apostolic Prayers by Apostle Paul and Peter for Believers, the Church, and Pastors:
Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians (Ephesians 1:15-23): This prayer focuses on spiritual wisdom, knowledge of God, and understanding of the hope and power available to believers.
Paul’s prayer for the Philippians (Philippians 1:9-11): Paul prays for their love to abound, for discernment, and for them to be filled with the fruit of righteousness.
Paul’s prayer for the Colossians (Colossians 1:9-14): This prayer emphasizes knowledge of God’s will, spiritual wisdom, and strength to endure with joy.
Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13): Paul prays for their love to increase and for their hearts to be strengthened in holiness.
Peter’s blessing for the scattered believers (1 Peter 5:10-11): Peter prays for God to restore, establish, strengthen, and support the believers after they have suffered.
Paul’s prayer for the Romans (Romans 15:5-6, 13): Paul prays for unity, endurance, and hope among the believers.
Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honoured, as happened among you,” (2 Thessalonians 3:1, ESV).
Colossians 4 vs 3: Paul encourages the church to pray for Pastors and teachers so that God will give them many opportunities to speak his mysterious plan concerning Christ.
Colossians 4 vs 12: Paul prayed for Believers to be strong and perfect fully confident that they follow God’s will.
Ephesians 6:18-19 – Paul here was admonishing the believer to pray in the spirit at all times and on every occasion- pray for every believer and also pray for Pastors, teachers, and Apostles so that they have the right words to boldly explain the Good news of the Gospel which is God’s mysterious plan.
Ephesians 3 vs 14 – 21: Here, Paul was praying for the church and all believers to be empowered with inner strength by the spirit, that we may understand the depth of God’s love for us and the fullness of God’s power that is in us.
2 Thessalonians 1 vs 11: Paul always praying for the church and believers to live a life worthy of his call, and power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.
Philemon 1 vs 6: Paul prayed that the believer will put into action the generosity that comes from their faith as they understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.
APOSTOLIC FOUNDATIONS
1 Corinthians 3:10-11 says: According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
Verse 11: For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
We need to understand that Christianity is historic and Apostolic, this means that we believe what was believed by the apostles.
We preach what was preached by the foundational apostles and we preach it the way they preached it.
The Apostle’s message was simple which was – Christ. The authority for their doctrine was the scriptures.
Whatever they taught as Christian conduct and living was from the examples of Jesus in his salvation work.
They were preachers of Christ, preaching Christ everywhere they went. They were not motivational speakers teaching principles and philosophies of life for men to become materially successful on earth.
All the foundational apostles were identified with the message of the true riches of Christ. This is the pattern and identity every believer must have.
We will enter into error when we try to innovate or create our pattern for ministry without following the foundation that has already been laid.
CONCLUSION
We can see that the early Apostles continually gave themselves to prayer (Colossians 1 vs 9) for the Church, therefore we ought to be deliberate in making prayer a lifestyle because Prayer is Apostolic.
It is an error to play down on prayer. We should make time for regular personal prayer and join other believers or our local church in group prayer sessions.
Prayer goes hand in hand with spreading the Gospel message. As we see in Acts 6:4, the early church leaders devoted themselves to “prayer and the ministry of the word.”
Prayer gives strength to the word we share. It’s through prayer that we tap into the power God has placed within us.
Remember, you have power in Christ. Prayer activates this power, making it work effectively to bring about results.
My passion lies in reaching out to young adults in communities and schools, witnessing the transformative power of faith in their lives.
This blog extends my ministry, sharing insights, encouraging believers, and exploring Christ's teachings in daily life.
Welcome, Brother James.
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