Good morning,
The Book of Acts (KJV) features over 30 references to prayer, portraying it as a central, consistent action of the early church to seek guidance, empowerment, and divine intervention. Key moments include communal prayer for direction (Acts 1:14, 1:24), prayer during persecution (Acts 4:31), and urgent prayer for rescue (Acts 12:5).
The prayers are broken down in general and specific. General, when people come in groups to pray. Specific, when a specific person, event, or location is the focus of prayer.
Specific:
Acts 1:24-25: The disciples pray for guidance in choosing a successor to Judas.
And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
Acts 4:24-30: A communal prayer for boldness after being threatened by the council.
And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
Acts 6:6: The apostles pray and lay hands on the seven chosen to serve.
Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
Acts 8:15: Peter and John pray for the Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit.
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
Acts 8:18-22: Peter tells Simon to repent and pray that the thought of his heart might be forgiven.
And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
Acts 8:24: Simon asks the apostles to pray for him.
Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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