13.1.4 The prayer of the early Christians

Acts 4: 23-31 provides insight into the sincere prayers of the early congregations. Right from the start the early Christians practised communal prayer (Acts 1: 14). Accounts of intensive prayer are also recorded in association with significant events, for example the choosing of Matthias as an Apostle or the ordination of the first seven Deacons (see 7.5). The Apostles were also accompanied by sincere prayers in situations of danger (Acts 1: 24-25; 6: 6; 12: 12).

The letters of the Apostles emphasise the significance of prayer (James 5: 15-16). The Apostles also related that they prayed for the church (Ephesians 1: 16-23), and encouraged steadfastness in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5: 17).

From 1 Timothy 2: 1 it is clear that the prayers of the believers are to include all people: "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men."