Devoted to Prayer

Q: What does it mean that the early church was devoted prayer? Why is this important for our Lifegroups and how do I help my group live this out?

The early disciples were devoted to prayer, and we want to build Lifegroups that carry this devotion. This guide equips you to lead both yourselves and others in being devoted to prayer!

What Does It Mean to Be Devoted to Prayer? 

Acts 2.42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Prayer was part of the fabric of the disciples in the early church both personally and of their community collectively. They were a people of prayer. 

It’s our desire to build Lifegroups marked by this prayer as well. When we talk about this value, we are speaking to cultivating a culture and lifestyle of prayer in our Lifegoups. 

Why This Value Matters: 

In Christ, God has made us a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2.9), a dwelling place for His Presence (Ephesians 2.19-22) and a house of prayer for all nations (Mark 11.17). Jesus called His disciples to abide in Him like a branch does in a vine and taught that they prayer life of the church was one of the primary means of abiding in Him and the secret to fruitfulness (John 15.1-5)

Lifegroups that are devoted to prayer live out this new identity and calling in Jesus. 

How Do I Help My Group Live This Value Out?

Here are seven ways to follow Jesus' example and build a community that embodies a devotion to prayer

1. Lead by example: Jesus is our model for being devoted to prayer. As leaders we want to follow His example in our own lives and in leading our Lifegroups. Here are some of the ways He lived this value:

  • Jesus prayed often: Luke 5:16: But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

  • Jesus prayed for long periods of time: Jesus prayed all night: Luke 6:12: One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.

  • Jesus prayed before major decisions: Luke 6:12-13: One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles.

  • Jesus prayed in times of distress: Matthew 26:39: Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."

  • Jesus prayed in moments of joy: Luke 10:21: At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children."

  • Jesus prayed with groaning and tears: Hebrews 5:7: During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.

  • Jesus prayed to release power for ministry: John 11:41-42: So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I always knew that you hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me."

  • Jesus prayed for His enemies: Luke 23:34: Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.

  • Jesus prayed for his disciples: Luke 22:32: But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.

  • Jesus taught his disciples to pray: Luke 11:1-2: One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." He said to them: "When you pray, say: 'Father, hallowed be your name...'"

As leaders, our goal is to follow Jesus and live, love and lead like Him. As we walk personally with Him in prayer, we will partner with the Lord in cultivating a Lifegroup devoted to prayer.

2. Pray for Your Lifegroup: Jesus prayed for His disciples. As we follow His examples, we will spend time in prayer for ours. To put this into action, make a prayer plan with your co-leaders of y’all will sow in prayer for your Lifegroup. Before your Lifegroup meets take time to sow in prayer for the Lifegroup meeting. 

3. Cast Vision For This Type of Community: Cast vision using the example of Jesus and the early church to be a community devoted to prayer. 

4. Pray with Your Lifegroup: Devote time each Lifegroup to praying for members in the group as well as for the lost. You can also plan special nights solely devoted to worship and intercession. 

5. Build discipleship groups within your Lifegroup. Discipleship groups create space for people to be able to pray consistently for one another. 

6. Be Intentional and Consistent: The word devotion in our passage means to be steadfast and persistent. Be consistent and watch the Lord work. Write down prayer requests and take note of how God answers prayer

Next Steps:

What is the Holy Spirit highlighting as you and your group's next step in growing in this value?