Week 1 – The Importance of Prayer

Be Devoted to Prayer

Read: Acts 2:42–47

SOAP*: Acts 2:42

They were devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Into the text

The first followers of Jesus Christ were described by their unity, dedication to following Jesus' teaching, devotion to each other in service and fellowship, and commitment to prayer. The early church provides an example of how followers of Jesus need always to be devoted to prayer. Prayer is essential to our life of faith and unity and community with other believers.

As followers of Christ, we have been given the gift of prayer. Prayer allows us to communicate with the Almighty God intimately. We know God hears us when we pray, and we can be confident that He will answer. Through prayer, God nourishes and encourages us in our spiritual growth. We align our lives, service, and ministry with God's will as we grow in prayer.

Prayer is also a powerful weapon for us against spiritual attacks. When we are devoted to prayer, we can combat the enemy's lies and withstand whatever he may attempt to throw our way.

But before we can reap all the benefits of prayer and understand its significance, we must be devoted to prayer. Prayer anchors us and keeps our hearts fixed on the One who can answer. It allows us to know more of God's character and love for us as we see how He answers and responds to our prayers. The more time we spend in prayer, the more time we spend with our heavenly Father.

As we begin this study on prayer, we aim to grow in our understanding of the significance of prayer, establish a rhythm of prayer, and pray powerfully for our loved ones, our communities, and the world. Let's commit to being devoted to prayer as we seek to know the One to whom we pray.

Prayer

Father God, You have created all things for Your pleasure, desiring intimate and honest connection and communication with me each day. Lord, what an awesome and wonderful privilege it is to know You! Lord, remove any obstacles preventing or distracting me from praying to You daily. Lord, help me to diligently make prayer a priority. Lord, make prayer my first response to any circumstance before taking any action. In Jesus' name, amen.

* As we study the Bible, we use the SOAP Bible Study Method. The acronym stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer.

1. Scripture. Write out the verses at least one time. Slow down and copy the passage from the text, focusing on what you are writing. Writing it more than one time is always helpful.

2. Observation. Take time to observe the passage. What do you see in the verses you're reading? Who is the intended audience? To whom is the writer speaking? What cultural factors are at play? Are any words or themes repeated? What literary devices are being used?

3. Application. After carefully observing what is happening in the passage, determine the central message or truth of the passage. How can you apply this truth to your life?

4. Prayer. Pray God's Word back to Him. If He has revealed something to you during this time, pray about it. Confess any sin God has revealed. Pray through the truth of the passage.