by Kristen Miller

Created on: May 21, 2009

The teachings on prayer found in the book of Acts can be summed up in two words: prayer works. Of course, it can be broken down further by examining the contexts in which prayer takes place and the results of prayer.

Prayer is a common occurrence.
Throughout the book of Acts, prayer is mentioned in passing a number of times, indicating that the early church prayed a lot, and didn't see prayer as something to only be done on special occasions. For example, in Acts 21:5, Paul and Luke knelt on the beach and prayed briefly with those who walked with them out of the city. Acts 2:42 offers a blanket statement about the early church, saying that those who were converted "were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."

Prayer is the way to know God and his saving grace.
Speaking of being converted, prayer is the way in which people can initially become connected with God. When Simon, a man who practiced magic, saw the power of the Holy Spirit, he offered the apostles money if they would pray for him to receive the Holy Spirit as well. Because of his wrong in assuming that God's gift of the Holy Spirit could be bought, Peter told Simon, "repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you." It is clear that prayer played a significant role in the process of having unbelievers come to know God.

Prayer brings God's physical healing to the sick.
Just as Jesus prayed for people in the gospels and brought them physical healing, the apostles do the same in the book of Acts. In Acts 28:8, Paul prays for a man with dysentery and lays his hands on him, and the man is miraculously healed. An even more miraculous story is found in Acts 9:36-43, when a woman named Tabitha dies. After kneeling and praying in the room where her body was being kept, Peter spoke to the body and told her to arise, and she promptly opened her eyes and sat up. These acts of healing could not have been achieved without people praying for God to bring healing to these ailing and dead bodies.

Prayer brings God's favor and guidance.
Praying does not only bring about physical healing, but it enacts God's favor in many other realms. For example, when Peter was in prison, Acts 12:5-17 tells how a group of people gathered in a home and prayed for him, and God sent an angel to lead Peter out of prison. He had the pleasure of going to that home and surprising those in attendance with the answer to their prayers!

Prayer pleases God.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the story of Cornelius in Acts chapter 10 demonstrates that God delights in the prayers of his children. Cornelius is described as a devout man who feared God, gave alms, and prayed to God continually. As he was praying one day, an angel came to him and told him, "Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God." It is because of his prayers that Cornelius was honored by an angelic visit and a message from God.

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